Resilience in Afar – community unity
SISD as a Civil Society Organization|

SISD is a nationally registered Civil Society Organization (CSO) in Ethiopia engaged in community development and humanitarian response. The organization implements field based interventions primarily in drought and conflict affected areas, with a strong focus on vulnerable populations. SISD works in key sectors including livelihoods support, youth economic empowerment, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), nutrition, gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response, and basic social services. The organization collaborates closely with government offices and development partners at woreda and regional levels. Its interventions are primarily community based, targeting underserved populations with limited access to essential services. SISD complements government efforts by implementing donor funded and community driven initiatives aimed at strengthening resilience and improving the well-being of vulnerable groups.

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Our Program Areas

Strategic & Thematic Areas

SISD implements integrated programs aligned with national priorities and donor frameworks.

01

Livelihoods & Economic Empowerment

  • Pastoral and agro-pastoral livelihood diversification
  • Youth employment and entrepreneurship
  • Women’s economic empowerment and cooperative development
02

Health & Nutrition

  • Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH)
  • Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH)
  • Community health systems strengthening
03

Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)

  • Access to safe and sustainable water supply
  • Sanitation and hygiene promotion
  • Climate-resilient water systems
04

Education & Human Capital Development

  • Access to quality primary and secondary education
  • Administration of boarding school programs for vulnerable children
  • Scholarship facilitation for high-performing students
  • School-based life skills and retention programs
05

Gender Equality & Social Inclusion

  • Women’s empowerment and leadership
  • Prevention of harmful traditional practices
  • Community dialogue and behavior change
06

Climate Change & Resilience Building

  • Drought risk reduction
  • Natural resource management
  • Climate adaptation for pastoral livelihoods
07

Humanitarian Response & Emergency Support

  • Emergency food and livelihood assistance
  • Rapid response to shocks and crises
  • Early recovery programming
08

Governance, Peacebuilding & Systems Strengthening

  • Community participation and accountability
  • Local governance strengthening
  • Social cohesion and conflict-sensitive programming

Funding the Future

By investing in this platform, you are not just funding a single project; you are investing in the long-term institutional resilience and agency of local actors who are critical to the region's future. SISD is creating a powerful, single platform to pool the resources and expertise of local actors, allowing them to overcome historical challenges of isolation and limited resources, ultimately driving sustainable, long-term impact across the Afar Region.

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Your contribution, no matter the size, provides life-changing support. Every dollar helps build a better tomorrow.

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Our Work

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Become part of our mission to create lasting change in the Afar Region and beyond. Together, we can build resilient communities and a brighter future for all.

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Posts

Latest News And Posts

CSO Week

The 5th Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Week is currently taking place in Addis Ababa

by SISD | Mar 7, 2026 | News

SISD team participated in CSOs Week Ethiopia, held at the International Convention Center in Addis Ababa. The event brought together civil society organizations, development partners, and key stakeholders to discuss collaboration…

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Learning Visit

News – SISD Consortium Completes Strategic Learning Visits to Key Civil Society Networks

by SISD | Jan 13, 2026 | Blog

Today, the "SISD Consortium" team conducted strategic learning visits to CCRDA, the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Forum (ECSF), the Consortium of Reproductive Health Associations (CORHA), and the Network of Civil Society Organizations in…

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Coordinated Work

The coordinated work of civil society organizations

by SISD | Nov 14, 2025 | News

The Deputy Head of the Afar Regional State Chief Administrator's Office, Ato Nur Tahir, said that the coordinated work of civil society organizations plays a significant role in increasing public benefit. Eight civil society organizations in the Afar region have…

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