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Water, Energy and Food Nexus;A case study in Ghana

Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah (PhD)University of Ghana

24th August, 2016

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Water, Energy and Food Nexus

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Water, energy and food are inextricably linked

They are vital for human well-being and sustainable development.

The demand for them will increase with increase in global population.

The agriculture sector is known to account for 70% of the total global freshwater

withdrawals (largest user of water).

Food production and supply chain also consumes about 30% of total energy

consumed globally (FAO 2011b).

24th August, 2016

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Water, Energy and Food Nexus

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Energy is required to transport and distribute food, extract, pump, lift, collect, transport and treat water.

The use of water to irrigate crops might increase food production but may reduce river flows and hydropower potential.

Growing bioenergy crops using irrigation can increase overall water withdrawals and jeopardize food security.

The demand for energy and water by cities, and other users (eg. Industries), will also increase.

24th August, 2016

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Water, Energy and Food Nexus

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Over the years, there is awareness of the food, energy and water challenges, however they are addressed in isolation.

To achieve water, energy and food security simultaneously there is a need to consider broader influences and cross-sectoral impacts (UNESCO, 2014).

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The Case of Ghana

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The Akosombo Dam was built in 1965 displaced about 80,000 people.  It created Lake Volta, the largest reservoir in the world.

The dam provides hydroelectric power for industry (at up to five times the greenhouse gas emissions of a fossil fuel plant) and is a valuable source of irrigation and fishing.

24th August, 2016 Source: Ghanaiantimes.com

Source: en.wikipedia.org

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Water, Energy and Food Nexus

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Today the Volta Basin supplies water to over 24 million people in six African states (Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, and Togo) and is an important source of protein (fish) for millions.

Projections however shows that groundwater levels, rainfall and water runoff into the river will drop significantly by mid-21st century due to climate change.

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Water, Energy and Food Nexus

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This will result in losses of water availability for irrigation and electricity,  impacting on economic development, food security and poverty in the region, (IWMI, 2016) report.

24th August, 2016

Source: fishconsult.orgSource: myjoyonline.com

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Water, Energy and Food Nexus

Sample Presentation Title

This means farmers will have to pump water from a longer distance or deeper aquifers to make up for the lack of rainfall, draining groundwater supplies and demanding more electricity to run the pumps.

The rippling effects will be felt by consumers for many years to come.

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Water, Energy and Food Nexus

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Smallholder farmers - more likely to find it difficult to invest in opportunities like drip irrigation to improve water efficiency.

The interconnectedness between water security, and energy-food security requires inter -sectoral management approach, through enhanced dialogue, collaboration and coordination, to ensure co-benefits and trade-offs.

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ASSAR and the WEF Nexus: Findings so far...

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Lack of political commitment and Access to Water

Construction of new dams and de-silting of existing dams in the Upper West region of Ghana to promote agricultural activities in the region.

The prevailing climate variability in the region has also necessitated the need to harness its irrigation potentials to promote all year farming and consequently, food security.

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ASSAR and the WEF Nexus: Findings so far...

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Burkina Faso construct a dam along the Black Volta River, an important source of water for smallholder farmers farming along the river.

This is creating an overflow of water into the Black Volta in Ghana during spill overs in Burkina Faso.

By building dams in the Upper West Region to contain the spillage, there may be about 50% increase in agricultural activities in due to improved water security.

Rainwater harvest.

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Balancing the synergies and trade-offs

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The use of drip irrigation to enhance agricultural water use efficiency

Rainwater harvesting for agricultural purposes

Improvements and protecting watersheds.

The use of Solar panels to generate energy for irrigation purposes.Encourage mulching and intercropping with cover crops

This approach to water security also includes promoting local water resources and eliminating the energy intensive practice of treating and transporting water.

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Thank You

24th August, 2016

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Supported by:

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24th August, 2016