CSSP2 Project: Enhancing Governance and Social Cohesion in Awi Zone

PADet implemented a targeted governance and peace-building initiative funded through the Civil Society Support Program (CSSP2) led by the British Council, strengthening grassroots organizations and bridging the state-citizen divide.

Making peace economically tangible and structurally sustainable

Implemented across three woredas of the Awi Zone in the Amhara Region, the CSSP2 project's core innovation was its dual focus: strengthening the institutional capacity of community-based organizations (CBOs) while building formal bridges between citizens and the state.

By formalizing peace committees with by-laws, creating permanent government-CSO-CBO dialogue platforms, and saving communities millions in conflict-related costs, PADet demonstrated a practical model for strengthening the social contract.

  • Peacebuilding & Governance
  • Civil Society Strengthening
  • Citizen-State Dialogue
  • Conflict Resolution

Project Goal

To contribute to a stable, peaceful, and democratic country through the bottom-up engagement of citizens and CSOs, advancing democratic values and strengthening social cohesion.

How this shows up in our programmes

1. Grassroots CBO Strengthening

Strengthened 28 diverse CBOs and associations—including Iddirs, faith-based groups, women's, youth, PWDs, teachers, and cultural groups—to actively engage in local development.

2. Formalizing Peace Structures

Strengthened 3 Woreda-level Peaceful Coexistence Committees (PCCs) in Guangua, Zigem, and Jawi woredas by adopting formal operational by-laws and guidelines.

3. Permanent Dialogue Platforms

Organized 4 permanent GO-CSO-CBO platforms alongside 2 consultative sessions focused on human rights, development, and trust-building in inclusive local governance.

4. Direct Conflict Mediation

Directly benefited 2,114 individuals (1,456 men and 658 women) through active peace committee conflict resolution, preventing escalation and building community solidarity.

5. Economic Dividend of Peace

Delivered massive financial savings: the mediation work of the strengthened PCCs saved communities an estimated 13,461,090 ETB in potential compensation claims and conflict costs.

6. Scaling Best Practices

Conducted 3 best practice sharing events and disseminated 280 booklets to reinforce successful citizen-state engagement models and encourage regional replication.

Project at a Glance

Key structural parameters and impact highlights of the CSSP2 project.

Component Details
Project Title CSSP2: Enhance Bottom-up Engagement for Peace, Democracy and Development
Implementing Partner Professional Alliance for Development (PADet)
Donor Civil Society Support Program (CSSP2), led by the British Council
Project Period 01 November 2022 – 01 March 2023 (5 months)
Total Budget 2 million ETB
Project Goal Enhance citizen-state engagement and social cohesion for peace and development
Key Impact Indicator Citizen-state engagement increased from 1% to 20%
Economic Impact 13,461,090 ETB saved through conflict mediation
Direct Beneficiaries Reached 2,114 individuals; 28 CBOs strengthened
Geographic Coverage Amhara Region, Awi Zone adjacent to Benishangul Gumuz region border (Guangua, Zigem, Jawi woredas)