KAS takes closer look at water-energy-food nexus
Delving into complex dynamics
A new publication aims to shed light on the intricate connections between water, energy and food.
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung's (KAS) Namibia-Angola office has unveiled a new publication titled 'Namibia’s Water-Energy-Food Nexus: National Development in Uncertain Times', authored by Detlof von Oertzen, Martin Schneider and Piet Heyns. The publication aims to shed light on the intricate connections between water, energy and food and their implications for Namibia's development trajectory.
The publication delves into the complex dynamics surrounding water, energy and food resources, highlighting their susceptibility to both local and global trends. Climate change emerges as a pressing concern, amplifying the challenges faced by Namibia in ensuring the security of these essential resources.
"Key to managing the multitude of impacts brought about by a changing climate is that local resilience is further enhanced. Systemic shocks that affect the supply of water, energy and food include, among others, learning to cope with less rainfall and higher average temperatures, having to live through prolonged periods of drought and increased aridity and coping with occasional floods, all of which are manifestations of increased climate variability," Natalie Russman, resident representative of KAS Namibia-Angola, said at the launch.
Enhancing systems
The authors emphasise the indispensable role of water, energy and food security in realising Namibia's development ambitions. They advocate for a holistic approach that integrates planning, governance and management across these sectors, leveraging the country's abundant natural resources for sustainable economic growth and job creation.
The publication concludes with a series of recommendations aimed at bolstering Namibia's economy and enhancing the resilience of its water, energy and food systems. These include measures such as inter-ministerial coordination, privatisation of underperforming state-owned enterprises and the promotion of entrepreneurship and youth training programmes.
The publication delves into the complex dynamics surrounding water, energy and food resources, highlighting their susceptibility to both local and global trends. Climate change emerges as a pressing concern, amplifying the challenges faced by Namibia in ensuring the security of these essential resources.
"Key to managing the multitude of impacts brought about by a changing climate is that local resilience is further enhanced. Systemic shocks that affect the supply of water, energy and food include, among others, learning to cope with less rainfall and higher average temperatures, having to live through prolonged periods of drought and increased aridity and coping with occasional floods, all of which are manifestations of increased climate variability," Natalie Russman, resident representative of KAS Namibia-Angola, said at the launch.
Enhancing systems
The authors emphasise the indispensable role of water, energy and food security in realising Namibia's development ambitions. They advocate for a holistic approach that integrates planning, governance and management across these sectors, leveraging the country's abundant natural resources for sustainable economic growth and job creation.
The publication concludes with a series of recommendations aimed at bolstering Namibia's economy and enhancing the resilience of its water, energy and food systems. These include measures such as inter-ministerial coordination, privatisation of underperforming state-owned enterprises and the promotion of entrepreneurship and youth training programmes.
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