Presenter : Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah (PhD)

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Water, Energy and Food Nexus;
A case study in Ghana
Benedicta Y. Fosu-Mensah (PhD)
University of Ghana
124th August, 2016

2. Water, Energy and Food Nexus
Sample Presentation Title
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).
224th August, 2016

3. 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.
324th August, 2016

4. 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).
424th August, 2016

5. 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.
524th August, 2016 Source: Ghanaiantimes.com
Source: en.wikipedia.org

6. Water, Energy and Food Nexus
Sample Presentation Title
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.
624th August, 2016

7. 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.
724th August, 2016
Source: fishconsult.org
Source: myjoyonline.com

8. 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.
824th August, 2016

9. 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.
924th August, 2016

10. 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.
1024th August, 2016

11. ASSAR and the WEF Nexus: Findings so far...
Sample Presentation Title
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.
1124th August, 2016

12. 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.
1224th August, 2016

13. Sample Presentation Title
Thank You
1324th August, 2016

14. Supported by:
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1424th August, 2016