MUNITY SOUTHERN M CO AF T VE N DE LOPM EN CA RI RE REGIONAL STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN IV (2016 - 2020) T U W TO AR D SA C O M MO N FU WATER - ENERGY NEXUS Elements of the water and energy nexus need to be investigated at a regional level in collaboration with relevant agencies. Water and energy are two basic necessities which are interdependent. We need water for hydro-power generation and cooling of thermal power stations as an example. We also need energy to pump water to where it is needed, not to mention heating of water for various uses. WATER - ENERGY - FOOD NEXUS There is need to implement Water – Energy – Food nexus demonstration projects to show the linkages and value of this nexus. This is the most common nexus where water plays roles in energy production as well as in food production – mainly through irrigation and stock watering. Energy on the other hand provides pumping power for water supply and irrigation. Due to the new drive for the use of renewable resources, bio-fuels are becoming competitors for food production; something that calls for a clear understanding of this nexus. The Water - Energy - Food (WEF) nexus illustrated in Figure P8.2 can assist the SADC region adapt to the challenges posed by population growth, increased urbanisation, increased consumption demands due to improved standards of living and climate change and variability. In such a nexus, transformation will involve institutional change and joint implementation by the public and private sectors. The climate change dimension worsens the above nexus situations, especially in light of pressures such as population growth, water-related disasters such as floods, droughts and sea water intrusion, which are on the increase. FIGURE P8.2 THE WATER-ENERGY-FOOD NEXUS SOURCE: BIS AND J. BEDDINGTON 2013 WATER - LAND - FOOD (WLF) NEXUS Land utilisation research and studies on the water – land – food nexus are undertaken in SADC in order to unlock its potential for the development of the region. The inextricable link between food, land and water means that any change in one component affects the others. Although the food and water issues are more understood within the framework of the WLF nexus, the land component is very complex. In a nutshell, land in the region:• • • • is a hot political issue; is very contentious and divisive at all levels; is the basis for “wars of liberation”; and stimulates high competition for its access. The challenges highlighted above show that there is need for better understanding of the land situation so that its utilisation can be unlocked to contribute to the development of the region. The activities to advance the objectives of the three nexuses will be informed in part by the regional nexus study and will include: a) joint mobilisation of resources by the three sectors (water, energy and food) for nexus research and implementation; 31 A Vehicle to implement the Water Component of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP)