As part of its matchmaking approach that devises data-driven early action food security solutions for dry areas, the Jameel Observatory supports researchers looking for answers that pastoral communities can use to overcome climate changes. Observatory Students combine their academic studies with field work to produce development-oriented resources with practical applications.
In September 2026, George Tsitati completed his PhD at the University of Edinburgh’s College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. His thesis was on ‘Assessing locally-led anticipatory action options to counter climate-induced humanitarian crises in East Africa.’
Since graduating, he has taken up a new role with the Danish Refugee Council as Country Anticipatory Action Coordinator in Nigeria.
Research focus
Supervised by Fiona Borthwick and Alan Duncan of the University and Joanne Grace of Save the Children UK, his research focused on developing locally led anticipatory measures to mitigate, adapt and respond to humanitarian crises.
Th aim was to close the gaps in the gendered coping techniques recommended by scientists and technicians, and those actually followed by people most affected by gradual and rapid onset disasters.
Read a post reflecting on his research and what he learned (September 2026)