Open AccessWater-Energy-Food Nexus Approach: Motivations, Challenges and Opportunities in Algeria
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
international journal of thermal and environmental engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1923-7316
DOI - 10.5383/ijtee.10.01.002
Subject(s) - nexus (standard) , sustainability , food security , business , livelihood , corporate governance , environmental economics , water security , sustainable development , poverty , environmental resource management , water resources , environmental planning , natural resource economics , economics , economic growth , engineering , agriculture , political science , geography , archaeology , finance , law , embedded system , biology , ecology
water energy food nexus (WEF) originates in the interconnections between the three resources as they are significant input for the production of each other and have major impacts on each other when mobilized and or utilized, conditioning the requirement of intertwined management and sustainability for all (fig.1). Therefore, the solutions for water, energy and food security problems are beyond the single-minded technical approach that mainly focuses on technology. The Nexus approach integrates management and governance across sectors and scales, with the aim of achieving water security, sustainable energy and food security to reduce hunger and poverty, and improve livelihoods. It is about governance within the three sectors and other relevant ones. It entails collaboration and coordination amongst the relevant sectors through the adoption of a holistic vision and integrated planning manners. This allows decision makers to develop the right strategies and plans that contribute to the achievement of sustainable development, maximize the benefits of the investments and ensure resources sustainability.