Collaborative &
Interdisciplinary Science
The Omo Valley Research Project (OVRP) is a community-engaged, interdisciplinary research initiative studying the social, cultural, and health dynamics of communities in Ethiopia's Omo Valley. Integrating anthropology, network science, behavioral ecology, and health research, we examine how people navigate social relationships, environmental change, and livelihood strategies in this ecologically and culturally diverse region.
We believe research should be mutually beneficial, serving both academic inquiry and the communities we work with. We partner closely with local communities and Ethiopian scholars to keep our work ethically grounded and culturally informed, and we are committed to training the next generation of Ethiopian scientists through mentorship and research opportunities that build capacity and lasting collaboration.
Reasearch Team
Temechegn Bira, PhD
Research Associate
Arba Minch University
Eyob Defersha, MA
Research Associate
Durham University
Halie Essa, MsC
Fieldsite Manager
Omo Valley Research Project
Zach Garfield, PhD
Co-Director
Grinnell College
Luke Glowacki, PhD
Co-Director
Boston University
Maud Mouginot, PhD
Co-Director
Boston University
Tigist Temesgen, MA
Research Associate
Washington State University
Omer Yinon
Research Associate
Tel Aviv University
Current Projects
Network Formation and Function Between Cultural Groups
How do social relationships form across cultural boundaries? Focusing on three neighboring but distinct communities in Ethiopia, Kara, Kwegu, and Nyangatom, this project studies how friendship, support, and resource-sharing networks help people cooperate and stay resilient amid climate change, resource pressure, and intergroup conflict.
Gendered Strategies in Friendships and
Coalitionary Dynamics
How do women and men build friendships and alliances in societies where power and resources are unequally held? This project studies the social strategies people use for support, protection, and cooperation, with particular attention to how women navigate constraints on mobility, decision-making, and access to resources.
Exploring Market-Based Realities Across
Communities in Ethiopia
As markets reach Ethiopia's pastoralist communities, what happens to their social ties, livelihoods, and health? EMBRACE traces how market integration reshapes community life, identifying the factors that help people stay resilient to economic change, climate pressure, and health disparities.
