Urban Food, Energy, and Water: Connecting the Dots

If the food system needs water and energy, then food policy should pay attention to these resources. Research into the interconnections, and possible trade-offs, between the three basic resources for human activities has boomed over the last few years. Because resources are flowing from the hinterland to the city, the authors insist that any resource planning should look beyond the city borders. In other words, urban infrastructure planning is no longer about planning for the city only. They highlight that “the impacts of cities outside of their immediate geographies and their relationship with Food-Energy-Water resources must be considered in the planning and policy.” Here, a key point is to pay attention to infrastructure, and, more specifically, to adopt an integrated approach to infrastructure planning. The more integrated the planning, the better. The authors quote Integrated Water Resources Management as a good example of a holistic approach to resource planning. So, to ensure their future food supply, cities should take a double step back, and understand that their urban food strategy is not only about food, and it is not only about the city. Follow this link to learn more. Sourced from: Urban Food Futures