Borena

Borena is a zone in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia, named after the Borena Oromo people. It lies in the southern part of the country and includes the administrative capital Yabello. The zone is bordered by the Somali Region to the east, the West Guji and Guji zones to the north and west, and by Kenya to the south at the international border.

The population is primarily Borena Oromo, with minority communities in border areas. The landscape is mostly savanna and rangeland, ranging from grassland to scattered acacia woodlands. The economy centers on pastoralism, particularly cattle and camel herding, with crop farming in more favorable microclimates along rivers. Cross-border trade with Kenya supports local livelihoods, and livestock markets are important regional hubs.

Culturally, the Borena people maintain strong pastoralist traditions and social organization associated with the Oromo Gada system. The region has faced drought and development challenges, and efforts have been made to improve access to education, health services, and infrastructure.