Food, Water and Energy nexus in the arena of Climate Change - Indian Perspective

Abstract

Food, water and energy are inseparably linked and actions in one sector influence the others. Essential inputs for food production are water and energy; water extraction, treatment and redistribution need energy; and energy also requires water. Food production depends on water, land and other natural resources, in other words a range of ecosystem services. Food and agricultural practices in turn influence water and energy demand. Their demand is also influenced by dynamic nature of all the three as well by different policies. The resource stability nexus goes more troubling when considering the long-term consequences of climate change especially in developing countries like India. India is having two third of its area monsoon dependent, having diverse seasons, crops and farming system with close link between climate and water resources, nexus approach is need of the hour. The nexus approach can enhance understanding of the inter-link of the sectors and strengthen coordination among them. But it requires a major shift in the decision-making process towards taking a holistic view for developing institutional mechanisms to coordinate the actions of diverse actors and strengthen complementarities and synergies among the three sectors.