Energy, water and food nexus in the west region of Cameroon: Case of the Tchouadeng watershed

Abstract

This article examines the interactions between water, energy, and food in the Tchouadeng watershed. The relationships among these elements, as well as the management of the micro-hydropower plant in this watershed, were assessed using survey sheets, exploratory interviews, and a literature review. The results reveal that the water resources in this watershed are utilized for drinking water, crop irrigation, and hydroelectricity production. Among farmers in the Tchouadeng watershed, 19.99% irrigate vegetable crops, with 85.71% using a gravity-fed irrigation system with local sprinklers and 14.29% using a furrow irrigation system with a motor pump. Monoculture crops have a water productivity ranging from 1.02-2.96 USD/m³, 0.60 and 0.62 USD/m³, respectively for tomatoes, cabbage, and potatoes. Conversely, mixed crops have a productivity of 2.00 and 2.93 USD/m³, respectively for tomato-cabbage-potato and tomato-cabbage-potato-black nightshade combinations. Mixed cropping (28.57%) optimizes water usage. The electricity generated in Tchouadeng is used to power 92 households, yet approximately 95% of subscribers are dissatisfied due to frequent voltage fluctuations. During drought periods, local residents and micro-hydropower plant managers face conflicts over water extraction from the mini reservoir dam. These conflicts are typically managed amicably or by village authorities. There is currently no organization responsible for managing water, energy, and food in the area. It is imperative to coordinate these various sectors to ensure effective management and demonstrate the benefits of an integrated approach to water, energy, and food.