Sustainability of Mediterranean Irrigated Agriculture through the Implementation of WEFE Nexus Approach

The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) announces a call for proposals under the topic “Sustainability of Mediterranean Irrigated Agriculture through the Implementation of WEFE Nexus Approach.”

This call, categorized as an Innovation Action (IA), aims to foster the development of innovative solutions to enhance the sustainability of irrigated agriculture in the Mediterranean region by applying the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus approach.

Challenge:

Irrigated agriculture is vital for food security and income in the Mediterranean, consuming the largest share of freshwater resources. This sector is confronting severe challenges, including water scarcity, energy insecurity, environmental degradation, and the impacts of climate change. These challenges threaten the sustainability of irrigated agriculture, demanding a shift towards more sustainable practices.

Scope:

Proposals should leverage the WEFE Nexus approach, promoting cross-sectoral innovations that ensure the sustainability of irrigated regions facing water scarcity. Projects must tackle current obstacles such as data gaps, institutional disconnections, and uneven sectoral power distributions. Demonstrations should be conducted in large sites under water scarcity, aiming to provide scalable and future-proof solutions.

Objectives:

• Develop innovative solutions integrating the WEFE Nexus for sustainable irrigated agriculture.
• Address systemic challenges hindering the adoption of efficient irrigation technologies.
• Evaluate environmental impacts using comprehensive methods like Life Cycle Assessment.
• Explore trade-offs and synergies in farming system optimization.
• Formulate business models and policy recommendations to support sustainable practices.

Expected Impacts:

• Efficient and sustainable resource use contributing to sustainable development goals.
• Enhanced resilience of irrigated agriculture to environmental and economic stressors.
• Improved policies and governance structures for sustainable agricultural development.
• Increased awareness and adoption of sustainable practices among end-users.

About PRIMA:

PRIMA is a long-term partnership aimed at fostering joint research and innovation in the Mediterranean region to address challenges such as water scarcity, sustainable agriculture, and food security. Through collaborative efforts, PRIMA supports the transition towards more sustainable, inclusive, and healthier Mediterranean societies, contributing to the 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Submission:

Proposals must align with PRIMA’s objectives and address the specific challenges and scope of this call. Applicants are encouraged to engage in multi-actor approaches, ensuring participation from key stakeholders, and to consider gender aspects in all project dimensions. Successful consortia will join the Mediterranean WEFE Nexus Community of Practice, enhancing collaboration and knowledge sharing.

This call represents an opportunity for researchers, innovators, and practitioners in the field of sustainable agriculture and water management to contribute to the resilience and sustainability of the Mediterranean region’s agricultural sector. Through the implementation of the WEFE Nexus approach, the projects funded under this call will aim to create a significant impact on the sustainability of irrigated agriculture, ensuring a balanced and efficient use of resources.