Unfolding livelihood aspects of the Water–Energy–Food Nexus in the Dampalit Watershed, Philippines

Type Journal Article - Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies
Title Unfolding livelihood aspects of the Water–Energy–Food Nexus in the Dampalit Watershed, Philippines
Author(s)
Volume 11
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2017
Page numbers 53-68
URL http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214581815001147
Abstract
Study region: This study explores the connectivity of upland farmers and downstream fishers through interlinkages of water, energy and food within the Dampalit sub-watershed of Laguna Lake, Philippines.

Study focus: The aim of the study is to yield policy relevant results to improve the status of the water resources and food products and to reduce possible user conflicts. Surveying 176 households mainly in the mid- and downstream areas elements and interlinkages of the local Water-Energy-Food Nexus (WEF-Nexus) were identified by the five capitals of the sustainable livelihood approach through a socio-ecological network analysis.

New hydrological insights for the region: Besides the innovative methodology, this research adds to the underserved local perspective in the WEF-Nexus research. The survey shows different livelihood profiles for the two groups and a lack of direct social links between them in the WEF-Nexus context. Also indirect links through consumption of the other group’s food products could not be identified. However, a large fraction of the population share the use of char coal for cooking, the Makiling groundwater for drinking and various household purposes and the Central Market in Los Banos for their food supply.

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