Omo

Omo refers to several related but distinct subjects in Africa and in consumer goods. The Omo River is a major river in southwestern Ethiopia that flows west and then north to Lake Turkana in Kenya. The river system supports diverse ecosystems and has long been central to the livelihoods of local communities, though it has also been affected by development projects such as hydroelectric dams and irrigation schemes in the region.

The Lower Omo Valley is home to a number of ethnic groups collectively known as the Omo peoples, including communities such as the Mursi, Suri, Nyangatom, and Dassanech. These groups practice a mix of pastoralism and agriculture and are noted for their distinctive cultural traditions and artisanal practices. The region has attracted attention from researchers and outsiders for its cultural diversity, but has faced challenges related to land use, resource management, and modernization.

In paleoanthropology, the Omo River valley is significant for the Omo Kibish Formation, where early Homo sapiens remains known as Omo I and Omo II were discovered. Dated to roughly 195,000 years ago, these fossils are among the early evidence of modern humans in Africa and have contributed to discussions about human origins and dispersal.

Omo is also the name of a widely known laundry detergent brand produced by Unilever. The product is sold in various markets around the world under names such as OMO or Omo and is marketed primarily on stain removal and whitening performance.