1. Introducing the Energy, Food and Climate “Nexus”
Sarah Best, Senior Researcher (Energy and Mining), Sustainable Markets Group.
Limerick, 9th April 2014

2. “Nexus”: ‘a connection or series of connections linking two or more things’
Notes
Nexus is a new buzzword in development.
People talk about different ‘nexuses’ – e.g. energy-food; energy-food-water; energy-food-climate. You can just keep adding nouns e.g. land, biodiversity, gender etc
Lots agencies issuing reports – FAO, OECD, WEF, SEI
Why are we talking about it? Driven by recognition that i) we’re hitting scarcity & shocks across several natural resources – at the same time as pressing need to increase access to food, energy, water etc for the poorest; ii) the way we use and consume resources is highly interconnected – e.g. we need to expand access & use of energy for growth, poverty reduction & food security - but using existing approach (fossil fuels) risks increased GHG, unsustainable water use (biofuels, nuclear).
Is it just good old ‘sustainable development’ repackaged? The two things are close e.g. emphasising the need to balance economic, social and environmental objectives; but people and organisations using the ‘nexus’ language are particularly highlighting: urgency of resource crunches; interconnections between some key resources – and particularly RISKS, TRADE-OFFS and SYNERGIES
This photo is about the energy-water nexus – any ideas what it is? [Flick to next slide]

3. Nexus: ‘a connection or series of connections linking two or more things’

4. Key ideas in ‘nexus’ thinking
Any solution for one problem , like energy, must equally consider the others in the nexus.
Its an APPROACH to understanding, analysing and addressing interconnected challenges
Many ‘nexus’ tools and frameworks exist or are being developed – though usage still low and range of options confusing

5. Example from current IIED energy work
Nexus in practice: Addressing energy gaps and needs in smallholder-based food systems
Example from current IIED energy work

6. 1. Food for all implies more modern energy and equipment in food system

7. 2. But is it affordable? Increased fossil fuels = higher farm-input & food prices

8. 3. Or sustainable? Increased fossil fuels contributes to food system emissions

9. “We need to re-think the role of energy in food systems”, FAO, 2012
Implication?
“We need to re-think the role of energy in food systems”, FAO, 2012

10. Drilling deeper: What are the energy needs of smallholders
Drilling deeper: What are the energy needs of smallholders? A value chain approach (i)

11. What are the energy needs of smallholders
What are the energy needs of smallholders? A wider rural development approach (ii)

12. Energy and food sectors take different approaches & often not joined-up
Typically supply-led, though becoming more demand-driven
Focus on ‘modern energy’, over human/animal power
Intervention types:
Large-scale rural electrification
Standalone off-grid (e.g. solar irrigation, MFPs)

13. Different approaches of energy and agri-food sectors
Typically supply-led, though becoming more demand-driven
Focus on ‘modern energy’, over human/animal power
Intervention types:
Large-scale rural electrification
Standalone off-grid (e.g. solar irrigation)
Meets energy needs by increasing supply OR reducing demand
Focus on livelihoods, productivity, all power types
Intervention types:
Ag mechanisation (tractors, hand-powered tools)
Sustainable agriculture (no-till, efficient resource use)

14. Many solutions piloted – a few reach scale

15. Barriers & challenges to addressing smallholder energy needs (examples)
Weak demand (e.g. customers’ poverty)
Top-down supply (e.g. no focus on productive uses)
Institutions (e.g. sectors working in isolation)
Finance (e.g. users need larger-scale finance for equipment)
Capacity gaps at all levels (e.g. users’ business skills)
Lack of sustainable ‘delivery model’ (e.g. maintenance)
Lack of market access
Complexity, trade-offs and risks in shifting to ‘integrated food-energy schemes’ or low-input agriculture

16. Key questions What are energy needs and impacts of access?
When and for whom are ‘modern energy solutions’ the answer? When are alternatives, low like low- input farming better?
How to promote integration between sectors?
How to make complex “systems thinking” practical?
How do we address political barriers to change?
What’s the role of the private sector?
How do we build ‘energy literacy?