Water, energy and food (WEF) are vital for human wellbeing and sustainable development. The three resources are inherently linked where one is input for the other in most production processes. The interlinkage between WEF also involves considerable tradeoff where increasing production in one sector could compromise supply in other sectors. Despite the multidirectional link between WEF systems, there is lack of coordination across sectors and institutions, which govern their production, distribution and use. Adequate supply, and sustainable use of WEF however requires efforts beyond one sector or institution.
Traditional “silo” approach and the resulting sector specific policies and actions are no longer sufficient given dynamic demographic, economic and environmental changes in today’s world that affect the availability of and demand for WEF. Integrated and holistic management is essential to maintain adequate supply and efficient utilization of WEF. The nexus approach, which integrates management and governance across the sectors, is one pertinent mechanism to understand the interdependence between WEF systems. Using the nexus approach to understand and govern the link between WEF is expected to increase competence in overall resource use by reducing tradeoffs and negative externalities while promoting synergies.
The objective of the interdisciplinary training on WEF nexus is to acquaint participants about the interdependence, tradeoffs and potential synergies concerning WEF systems viewed from different disciplines.
Dec 19: 9AM – 12PM
DR. ZERAYEHU SIME
Dec 19: 2PM – 5PM
Prof. Alemu Mekonnen
Dec 20: 9AM – 12PM
Dr. Asnake Kefale
Dec 20: 2PM – 5PM
PROF. Kaleab Baye
Dec 2: 9AM – 12PM
All presenters: discussion & synthesis
