event 14 Sep 2020

Publication // Water-energy-food nexus perspective: Pathway for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to country action in India

By Bijon Kumer Mitra, Devesh Sharma, Tetsuo Kuyama, Bao Ngoc Pham, G.M. Tarekul Islam, Pham Thi Mai Thao. This article looks at the interlinkages between SDG-2 (food security), SDG-6 (water security) and SDG-7 (energy security) and assesses potential synergies arising from applying the nexus approach in India.

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Abstract

Water, energy and food securities lie at the heart of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since these securities are interconnected, the business-as-usual approach (sectoral approach) cannot achieve them and need to apply the water-energy-food nexus approach for identifying and overcoming the roots of barriers and challenges. The study aims to prioritize interlinkages between SDG-2 (food security), SDG-6 (water security) and SDG-7 (energy security) for country action. In order to achieve this aim, the study implements a set of methods including stakeholder perception survey, network analysis, regression analysis and cross-sectorial group discussion. This article summarizes the outcomes of a case study in India. Stakeholders cognition derived through scrutinizing the perception survey admitted the need for a nexus approach in the action plans towards the SDGs. Quantitative assessment of interdependency showed that, of 182 interlinkages between SDG-2, SDG-6 and SDG-7 targets, 124 interlinkages had synergistic relation. The combined outcome of the cross-sectorial group discussion identified eight interlinkages as high priority (p>0.9) for immediate integrated planning and action. A total of ten interactions are moderate (p=0.6 to 0.9) and eight are low priority interlinkages (p<0.6). Solid understanding of synergies and trade-offs associated with SDG targets and initial prioritization of interlinkages would help India reorient its SDG priorities from a water-energy-food nexus perspective.

Highlights

  • Key stakeholders of India have a hfigh level of perception about the interdependency of SDG-2, SDG-6 and SDG-7.
  • Out of 182 interlinkages, 124 showed a synergistic relationship, implying that there is a high potential to capture synergies by taking a nexus approach in SDG implementation that can provide effective resource solutions and contribute to swiftly achieving three key SDGs.
  • A case study in India identified nine priority targets: T2.1, T2.2, T2.4, T6.1, T6.2, T6.3, T7.1, T7.2 and T7.3. Among interactions between these nine targets, eight interlinkages are identified as high priority (p>0.9) for immediate integrated planning and action. A total of ten interactions are moderate (p=0.6 to 0.9) and eight are low priority (p<0.6).

Access

Mitra, B., Sharma, D., Kuyama, T., Pham, B., Islam, G., & Thao, P. (2020). Water-energy-food nexus perspective: Pathway for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to country action in India. APN Science Bulletin, 10(1).

Published

July 2020

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