What is TASTE?

TASTE UK is a Sheffield based, Christian charity dedicated to the provision of clean water, sanitation and hygiene education to impoverished communities in Nigeria.

TASTE was registered as a charity in the United Kingdom in 1999 to encourage the spread of appropriate and sustainable technology in Nigeria. The charity has recently converted to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) under the new name of TASTE UK.

Originally, the intention was to send suitably qualified Christian professionals to work alongside local people or offering support to young Nigerian professionals. However, this quickly moved to developing our own Nigerian drilling team who are responsible for the construction of community boreholes. Additionally, volunteers from the UK have travelled to Nigeria to share their expertise, thus developing the skills and capacity of our own staff and the communities with which we work.

TASTE was set up as a result of first hand experience of one of the Trustees, Ben Udejiofo, of the hardship being suffered by ordinary Nigerians through the under-utilisation of both human and mineral resources and also the constant request for help by the people of Amankpunato Achi, the village from where Ben originates. Water is a scarce resource with the nearest supply of drinking water a 5k round trip away from most homes. As is usual in Africa, women and children bear the brunt of water carrying, with the children regularly making the trip before and after school during the dry season. 

Health and disease prevention: Access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities is crucial for preventing waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and diarrhea. Contaminated water sources and poor sanitation contribute to the transmission of these diseases, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Inadequate hygiene practices and contaminated water sources contribute to high rates of infant mortality, malnutrition, and stunted growth. By ensuring clean water and sanitation, the incidence of water-related illnesses can be significantly reduced, leading to improved health outcomes.

Education and school attendance: Access to clean water and sanitation facilities in schools is essential for ensuring a conducive learning environment. Without adequate water and sanitation infrastructure, students, particularly girls, may miss school due to water-related illnesses, lack of menstrual hygiene facilities, or the need to travel long distances to find water.

Poverty reduction and economic development: Access to clean water and sanitation is also closely linked to poverty reduction and economic development. When communities have access to clean water sources, they can engage in productive activities such as agriculture, livestock rearing, and small-scale businesses. Improved sanitation facilities reduce the economic burden of waterborne diseases and enable individuals to participate more actively in the workforce. Additionally, investments in water and sanitation infrastructure create employment opportunities and stimulate local economies. Lack of proper sanitation facilities often leads to open defecation, which pollutes water sources, contaminates soil, and poses a threat to public health. 

Dignity and quality of life: Access to clean water and sanitation is a fundamental human right that ensures individuals can live with dignity and enjoy an acceptable quality of life. Adequate sanitation facilities, including toilets and bathing facilities, provide privacy, safety, and comfort. Clean water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene is essential for maintaining good health, personal well-being, and overall human dignity.

Our work is divided into a number of streams:

Geological Surveying

of potential water locations.

Community Support

in the development of sanitation systems.

Drilling Services

for boreholes to supply clean drinking water.

Water Delivery

to needy communities.

Visiting Schools

to help children understand the importance of basic hygiene.

Taking a high profile approach

to honest & ethical standards in business.

The need is great. Support TASTE to enable us to help