Water, Energy, and Food: The Triple Solution to Africa’s Food Security Crisis
Africa’s population is set to grow by 950 million in the next 25 years, placing immense pressure on food systems already grappling with insecurity. To meet rising demand, agricultural productivity must increase by 70%.
Yet, food production, processing, and storage rely heavily on water and energy—two resources that are already under strain. Agriculture alone accounts for 80% of freshwater use, 21% of global energy consumption, and nearly a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions. Without a new approach, these interdependencies will only deepen the crisis.
Traditional resource management strategies have failed to address these overlapping challenges. What’s needed is a more integrated approach, one that balances food security with sustainable resource use. The Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus offers a holistic solution by recognizing how these three systems are deeply interconnected.
Practical Solutions through the WEF Nexus
SNV is leading the way in applying the WEF Nexus approach, integrating water, energy, and food management to enhance resilience and sustainability. By promoting green infrastructure solutions such as solar-powered irrigation and rainwater harvesting, SNV is improving resource efficiency while reducing environmental impact.
In Kenya, the LISTEN project, a partnership between SNV and AGRA, is improving food security by introducing solar-powered irrigation pumps and rehabilitating boreholes in Isiolo, Laikipia, and Samburu counties. These interventions have given farmers access to water year-round, enabling continuous food production, increasing income, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Another innovative solution is Slamdam technology, developed in partnership with Zephyr Group and Nelen & Schuurmans. This portable, refillable dam helps communities manage flooding and provides essential water storage for irrigation during dry periods. By mitigating the impact of extreme weather, this technology ensures a more stable and sustainable water supply.
In Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, SNV is also collaborating with GIZ and the IKEA Foundation through the SEFFA project, which introduces solar-powered irrigation, cooling, and drying systems for smallholder farmers. These technologies are strengthening farming households against climate shocks while boosting food production in the dairy and horticulture sectors. By reducing post-harvest losses and improving food preservation, the project helps farmers sustain their livelihoods in a rapidly changing climate.
Challenges to Implementing the WEF Nexus Approach
Despite its potential, scaling the WEF Nexus approach presents several challenges. Climate change is exacerbating floods, droughts, and pest outbreaks, making adaptation increasingly difficult. In northern Kenya, for instance, extreme weather events, including locust infestations, continue to threaten food security. Addressing these threats requires stronger early warning systems and coordinated efforts across sectors.
Resource-based conflicts over water and grazing land also complicate the adoption of new technologies and sustainable practices. Integrating peacebuilding efforts into the WEF Nexus approach is crucial to reducing tensions and ensuring communities work together toward shared goals. Social and cultural factors further impact adoption, as livestock remains central to pastoralist communities, making diversification into alternative farming activities, such as poultry and vegetable production, more challenging.
Beyond environmental and social factors, policy and investment barriers also hinder progress. Limited market access, inadequate policy frameworks, and insufficient financing prevent innovative technologies from reaching their full potential. Without stronger advocacy and collaboration among governments, businesses, and development organizations, these solutions may struggle to scale.
The Path Forward
While the challenges are significant, they are not insurmountable. By investing in green infrastructure, fostering collaboration across sectors, and scaling innovative technologies, Africa can successfully navigate the complex interdependencies of water, energy, and food systems. The WEF Nexus approach provides a transformative pathway to a more resilient and sustainable future, ensuring that food security and climate adaptation go hand in hand.
Read the full policy briefing here.
