7 A Framework for IWRM in the Water-Energy-Food …
167
Such an IWRM model is currently being built around the irrigation canals of the
CSS, a relatively small area that is nevertheless quite representative of the challenges
in the Delta related to soil and water, agro-economic models, types of actors, etc.).
In recent years, local stakeholders have initiated a cooperative structure for the use
of water from CSS irrigation canals and adjacent land by farmers, granting rights
to cane harvest residues and artificial pools for livestock farmers. The challenge
now is to strengthen and improve the existing system to achieve better agricultural
and economic results, and participatory and conservatory management of natural
resources, integrating other stakeholders and all the dimensions selected in the IWRM
framework. Therefore, a consultation framework is being implemented to integrate
water resource management in an environment of trust.
5 Conclusion and Prospects
The proposed nexus and IWRM approaches outlined are complementary, as indicated
by the United Nations (Mohtar and Lawford 2016). Both contribute to sustainable
development and environmental protection. In the case of the Senegal River Delta, the
availability of natural resources (fresh water, soil, transformable aquatic plants and
sunlight) is favorable to produce models using these approaches. Local populations
already consume electrical energy from river water (the Manantali Dam) and the sun
(the Bokhol solar platform). These renewable electricity producers are indicators
of the reliability and sustainability of solar and water energy production in the area.
However, they are disadvantaged by their centralization and, therefore, disconnection
from rural populations and agricultural systems.
The many options for food (cereals, industrial crops, horticulture) and energy
(residual biomasses, energy cane, harvested Typha, solar energy) production are still
underexploited. Intensive and industrial agricultural production certainly consumes
water, as is the case of sugar cane at the CSS. But with an average sea discharge
flow of 13 billion m
3 /year, compared to five billion used, the volume of unused
water remains enormous, even considering the needs of spontaneous vegetation and
natural ecosystems. From this perspective, fresh water is not currently a constraint
in the Delta. The actual availability of this water at the local level, however, may
be reduced or constrained, especially for small producers, due to physical (invasive
aquatic plants) and economic (e.g., pumping costs) limits.
Despite the diversity and heterogeneity of these actors, synergy that benefits
everyone must be reached. For example, the by-products and technical knowledge
of industrial or agro-industrial actors could benefit small producers by supporting
diversification of their production systems, integrating, in particular, the production
of biomass for energy purposes alongside food production. These interactions set
the stage to promote a productive dialogue among stakeholders. In the coming years,
this will lead to better food and energy security in the river delta. Further Research
& Development, conducted with local actors to assist in policy and technical choices
167
Such an IWRM model is currently being built around the irrigation canals of the
CSS, a relatively small area that is nevertheless quite representative of the challenges
in the Delta related to soil and water, agro-economic models, types of actors, etc.).
In recent years, local stakeholders have initiated a cooperative structure for the use
of water from CSS irrigation canals and adjacent land by farmers, granting rights
to cane harvest residues and artificial pools for livestock farmers. The challenge
now is to strengthen and improve the existing system to achieve better agricultural
and economic results, and participatory and conservatory management of natural
resources, integrating other stakeholders and all the dimensions selected in the IWRM
framework. Therefore, a consultation framework is being implemented to integrate
water resource management in an environment of trust.
5 Conclusion and Prospects
The proposed nexus and IWRM approaches outlined are complementary, as indicated
by the United Nations (Mohtar and Lawford 2016). Both contribute to sustainable
development and environmental protection. In the case of the Senegal River Delta, the
availability of natural resources (fresh water, soil, transformable aquatic plants and
sunlight) is favorable to produce models using these approaches. Local populations
already consume electrical energy from river water (the Manantali Dam) and the sun
(the Bokhol solar platform). These renewable electricity producers are indicators
of the reliability and sustainability of solar and water energy production in the area.
However, they are disadvantaged by their centralization and, therefore, disconnection
from rural populations and agricultural systems.
The many options for food (cereals, industrial crops, horticulture) and energy
(residual biomasses, energy cane, harvested Typha, solar energy) production are still
underexploited. Intensive and industrial agricultural production certainly consumes
water, as is the case of sugar cane at the CSS. But with an average sea discharge
flow of 13 billion m
3 /year, compared to five billion used, the volume of unused
water remains enormous, even considering the needs of spontaneous vegetation and
natural ecosystems. From this perspective, fresh water is not currently a constraint
in the Delta. The actual availability of this water at the local level, however, may
be reduced or constrained, especially for small producers, due to physical (invasive
aquatic plants) and economic (e.g., pumping costs) limits.
Despite the diversity and heterogeneity of these actors, synergy that benefits
everyone must be reached. For example, the by-products and technical knowledge
of industrial or agro-industrial actors could benefit small producers by supporting
diversification of their production systems, integrating, in particular, the production
of biomass for energy purposes alongside food production. These interactions set
the stage to promote a productive dialogue among stakeholders. In the coming years,
this will lead to better food and energy security in the river delta. Further Research
& Development, conducted with local actors to assist in policy and technical choices