The various thematic research groups at EfD Nigeria have developed a twelve-month work plan aimed at enhancing their research productivity and aligning their efforts with the priorities of the global EfD Network.
The work plan emerged from a four-day Revitalization Workshop organized to stimulate research activities within the center’s five thematic groups, which focus on energy; ecosystem and natural resources; agriculture; pollution and sustainable consumption; and climate change, climate finance, and disaster risk management.
“We are encouraging our researchers to work more collaboratively within their respective thematic areas,” Professor Nnaemeka Chukwuone, the Director of EfD Nigeria, said.
Learned how to avoid common pitfalls
The workshop, held in September 2025, was facilitated by Professor Edwin Muchapondwa, the Chairman of EfD’s Quality Assurance Panel. He explained that the training was organized at the request of the center’s leadership as part of a deliberate effort to reinvigorate the research groups and enhance their productivity.
“Our target is to build researchers’ confidence in developing and pitching proposals to funders and stakeholders,” Edwin Muchapondwa said.
At the training, participants were exposed to strategies for identifying and avoiding common pitfalls in proposal development, and were equipped with practical tools for crafting clear objectives, sound methodologies, and effective impact pathways.
Groups inspired to develop proposals and concept notes
Already, the research groups have begun implementing their respective work plans. Dr. Innocent Ifelumnini, leader of the Ecosystem and Natural Resources Group, disclosed that his team is currently developing a research proposal that is expected to be completed by the end of October. Similarly, Dr. Chizoba Oranu, who leads the Climate Change Group, reported that her team has already developed a concept note and commenced preparatory activities for upcoming research engagements.
The renewed commitment from EfD Nigeria’s research groups is expected to strengthen the center’s research output and contribution to evidence-based environmental policy and sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond.