Our Initiatives

Research-Driven Programs & Initiatives

Discover our evidence-based programmes designed to improve public health and WASH outcomes in Nigerian communities.

Community Assessments and Interventions

"Eyes on the ground, data for action."

Monthly Community Needs Assessments

Our trained community engagement officers conduct standardized monthly assessments of WASH conditions in schools, healthcare facilities, abattoirs, and residential areas across underserved Nigerian communities. Each assessment produces a technical report and a non-technical brief for public awareness.

Key Activities:

  • Field documentation using standardized data collection tools
  • Scoping gaps and identifying underlying issues for intervention development
  • Monthly technical reports and community briefs
Monthly since March 2026 View Reports and Photos

Community Interventions

When our assessments reveal urgent WASH gaps, we mobilise resources to deliver targeted, cost-effective interventions designed for community ownership and long-term sustainability. From handwash station installations to health promotion campaigns, every intervention is informed by our own field data.

Key Activities:

  • WASH facility provision for schools and public spaces
  • Hygiene and sanitation training for students and community members
  • Development of frameworks for sustainable WASH financing and maintenance
1,000+ trained since 2019 Intervention Gallery

Research and Publications

"From field data to peer-reviewed evidence and funded innovation."

Publications

GESI-affiliated researchers have produced over 30 peer-reviewed publications spanning WASH, environmental health, wastewater resource recovery, and sustainable development. Our research turns community-level observations into scientific evidence that informs interventions and shapes policy.

Research Focus:

  • School and Community WASH assessments
  • Wastewater treatment, resource recovery, and circular economy
  • Environmental and public health (water quality, disease burden, gender equity)

School water, sanitation, and hygiene inequalities: a bane of sustainable development goal six in Nigeria

Circular economy from wastewater resource recovery: A review of recent advances and global disparities

AI-driven strategies for enhancing Mpox surveillance and response in Africa

+ 50+ more publications

55+ papers | 1,500+ citations Browse Publications

WASH Research Seed Grant

Our grant programme funds undergraduate and postgraduate students at Nigerian public universities conducting locally relevant WASH and SDG 6 research. Grants of up to N300,000 support need-based projects that generate actionable data for underserved communities.

Grant Details:

  • Annual application cycles open to BSc, MSc, and PhD students
  • Rolling consideration for innovative or time-sensitive proposals between cycles
  • Funded research feeds into GESI's intervention planning pipeline

Grants up to N300,000

Cycle 1 launched 2025 View Grant Calls

Youth Empowerment and Advocacy

"Engaging, equipping, and amplifying young voices for WASH and environmental sustainability."

Youth Competitions and Engagement

GESI hosts annual competitions that challenge Nigerian youths to think critically about WASH, environmental equity, and public health. Complemented by a structured volunteer network offering hands-on field experience, mentorship, and pathways to professional roles.

Key Activities:

  • Annual essay competition
  • Annual poster competition
  • Four-track volunteer programme with co-authorship and training opportunities
2 competitions | 4 volunteer tracks Past Winners and Calls

Advocacy and Outreach

We translate complex research findings into accessible, non-technical content for public audiences. Through digital campaigns tied to global observances, monthly opportunities curation, and research spotlights, we keep the conversation on WASH visible and actionable.

Key Activities:

  • Monthly research spotlights breaking findings into everyday language
  • Campaigns around World Water Day, Global Handwashing Day, and World Environment Day
  • Monthly opportunities newsletter featuring grants, fellowships, and calls in sustainability
Monthly content since 2026 Opportunities Archive

Ready to Make an Impact?

Whether you're a researcher, student, volunteer, or partner, there's a place for you in our growing community.