Transformative pathways for inclusive and climate-resilient futures in Ethiopia’s South Omo pastoral communities This inside story, written by Kaleb Worku and Patricia Bamanyaki, is based on the work of Agri Service Ethiopia. It explores how Village Economic and Social Associations (VESAs) are helping pastoralist communities build resilience while advancing gender equality and social inclusion. The evidence suggests that when designed as broader social platforms rather than finance groups alone, VESAs can strengthen adaptive capacity while creating opportunities for women to participate more fully in household and community decision-making.