Sustainable food production depends on healthy soils and effective land management, both of which are closely connected to water and energy use. Yet these interdependencies are often overlooked in practice. Different sectors, institutions, and governance levels frequently operate independently, each with their own priorities, terminology, and objectives. This fragmentation limits coordinated planning and can hinder the implementation of measures needed to ensure sustainable and adequate food production.
To explore ways of strengthening integrated approaches, Biomass Research and GOPA MetaMeta organized a roundtable discussion in May, 2026 titled “Rethinking the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus.” The event brought together experts from technical organizations, research institutes, development programs, and governance institutions. Participants exchanged experiences, shared best practices, and discussed practical pathways for improving the development and implementation of WEF nexus approaches. The discussions focused on challenges to implementation, opportunities for cross-sector collaboration, and the role of policy in supporting innovation and market development.
Key Conclusions
- reality of issues related to water, energy and food are complex and context-specific
- shared ownership of problems and solutions is needed across disciplines and organisations
- there is need to work (more) systematically to identify common concepts, language and policies
- umbrella organisations and programs are needed to bridge disciplinary gaps at local, national and supranational levels
Recommendations
- develop (extend) a WEF nexus approach with a common language using a systems approach in a social innovation process
- identify inspiring examples where a WEF approach has been beneficial
- use champions that can convincingly promote examples of the WEF approach amongst private and public organisations and on social fora
For more information, detailed roundtable notes are available below :