Sustainable Integration: Advancing Mediterranean Agriculture through the WEFE Nexus Approach and Renewable Energy Solutions

University Kasdi Merbah is an institution of higher education and research located in Ouargla, south of Algeria. It was founded on March 22, 1988. Kasdi Merbah-Ouargla University currently consists of 12 faculties and 2 instustes; each of them has several departments in different fields.

The sustainability of irrigated agriculture in the Mediterranean region faces numerous challenges, including water scarcity, declining resource efficiency, and ecosystem degradation. These challenges are exacerbated by the impacts of climate change, population growth, and the historical separation of water, energy, food, and ecosystem management. To address these complex issues, a holistic approach is required, which considers the interconnections between water, energy, food, and ecosystems (WEFE Nexus).
Proposed Collaboration:
As a partner in the PRIMA project focusing on the sustainability of Mediterranean irrigated agriculture through the implementation of the WEFE Nexus approach, I bring a unique combination of expertise, experience, and capabilities that align closely with the project objectives. My collaboration will be structured around the following key areas:
1. Integration of Renewable Energy Solutions:
Leveraging my background in energy engineering, particularly in solar refrigeration systems and shallow geothermal systems, I will contribute to the integration of renewable energy solutions in agricultural practices. This includes designing and implementing innovative energy-efficient technologies for irrigation, such as solar-powered irrigation systems and geothermal heating and cooling systems for greenhouses.
2. Optimization of Resource Use:
Drawing upon my expertise in thermal engineering, fluid dynamics, and heat exchangers, I will work towards optimizing resource use within the agricultural sector. This involves developing models and tools to assess the energy-water-food nexus, identifying synergies and trade-offs between different resource sectors, and recommending strategies for enhancing resource efficiency and resilience.
3. Policy and Technical Guidance:
Building on my experience in national research projects and policy development, I will provide guidance on policy and technical measures to promote sustainable agricultural practices. This includes conducting policy analyses, stakeholder consultations, and capacity-building activities aimed at fostering integrated governance and decision-making.
4. Knowledge Transfer and Capacity Building:
As a lecturer with extensive teaching experience, I am committed to knowledge transfer and capacity building within the project. I will contribute to training workshops, seminars, and educational programs aimed at enhancing the understanding of the WEFE Nexus approach among stakeholders, researchers, and practitioners in the Mediterranean region.

Thermal Engineering; Renewable Energy Systems; Solar Refrigeration; Shallow Geothermal Systems; Cross-Sectoral Collaboration; Policy Development.