Pathways to Resilience
Investigation of Livelihood and Sustainable Economy with Water: Initiating a Case Study in Rural Senegal
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Fafa Sene
Agriculture is undoubtedly the driving sector of the Senegalese economy. It occupies an important place in public policies’ reference document entitled “Emerging Senegal Program” (PSE in French), for the period 2014-2035. The country had undeniable agricultural potential with vast exploitable lands stretching from the Senegal River valley to the natural region of Casamance. Going up the Baol Region known for its historic peanuts basin, value chains were visible through the cultivation of that cash crop, alongside processing industries, especially oil mills. However, the agricultural potential the country was once known of seems to have disappeared. With all the production capacity, Senegal is still nailed to the status of importer of food products, never having been able to manage to move to that of exporter. Rice self-sufficiency would have had such positive macroeconomic consequences by reducing imports. The rice sector mobilizes on average CFAF 150 billion in foreign exchange per year and represent 16% of the trade balance deficit. Given that most Senegalese farmers rely on the rain to work the land, this study goes in line with FAO’s (2020) recommendations to invest in water recovery and conservation in rainfed areas, in the modernization of irrigation systems, and the adoption of agronomic practices that would withstand drought. After thorough investigation and interviews with farmers’ associations and women cooperatives, this study demonstrates that sustainable access to water could lead agriculture to its former glory in rural Senegal.
The Value of Alternative Water in Adaptation to Climate Change: The Case of the Mediterranean Countries View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Mordechai Shechter
This study utilizes a Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model, specifically the GTAP-AW model, to analyse the economic implications of alternative water sectors in mitigating natural water scarcity, with a focus on the Mediterranean region. Acknowledging the escalating water scarcity exacerbated by climate change, the research integrates alternative water sources - desalination and treated wastewater - into the economic framework, establishing a direct link with natural water as a primary factor of production. The study provides a comprehensive assessment of how changes in the availability and management of water resources, both natural and alternative, can impact critical sectors and the overall economy, especially under climate-induced water scarcity. The research hypothesizes that, despite the higher financial and energy costs, the adoption of alternative water sources in water-stressed regions yields substantial social benefits by ensuring food security, sustaining economic growth, and mitigating the impacts of natural water shortages. It emphasizes the need for advanced water treatment, desalination technologies, and effective water management strategies as crucial adaptation mechanisms to climate change. The findings highlight the economic value of alternative water sources and advocate for the inclusion of detailed technical substitution and innovation capabilities in CGE models to accurately evaluate the economy-wide potential for substituting capital and other inputs for water. This study contributes to the literature by providing a nuanced understanding of the role of alternative water sources in climate adaptation and economic resilience, particularly in regions vulnerable to water scarcity.
The Impact of ICT on Carbon Intensity Across Heavy CO2 Emitting Countries: Evidence From Panel Quantile Regression Approach
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Joseph Fuseini
Amidst the escalating concerns over CO2 intensity and its environmental impact, the intricate interplay between information and communication technology (ICT) and carbon intensity has emerged as a pivotal area of investigation, shedding light on the transformative potential of digital innovation in shaping the global sustainability agenda. The study investigates the differential impact of ICT on carbon intensity across 30 heavy CO2-emitting countries, considering variations in technological infrastructure and economic contexts. Using panel quantile regression with population, affluence, and technology (STIRPAT) analyzed data spanning from 2000 to 2020 on the influencing elements of carbon intensity, the study makes the following findings: (1) ICT contributes to reducing greenhouse gases and lowering carbon intensity but has a negative effect in developed countries with high ICT manufacturing capabilities; (2) industry structure has a negative effect on emissions while renewable energy is an absolute contributing factor to achieving the carbon neutrality goals with a high positive significant factor; (3) GDP, population, and energy intensity have a negative impact on lowering emissions. Consequently, the study emphasizes the importance of countries prioritizing the continued utilization of renewable energy to improve industry structure and mitigate carbon intensity rather than solely relying on research and development.
