(Re)Connect the Nexus: Young Brazilians’ experiences of and learning about food-water-energy
While recent research on food-water-energy access has generally focused on governance and flows between producers and consumers, there is currently little evidence available on how young people specifically experience this nexus. This is despite the fact they comprise a large proportion of the population and have a key role to play in determining the future of their country.
(Re)Connect the Nexus: Young Brazilians’ Experiences of and Learning about Food-Water-Energy aims to address the current knowledge gap on these issues by researching the perspectives of youth (aged 10-24) in the Metropolitan Region of Paraiba do Sul River Basin and Sao Paulo State North Shore. In particular, it examines the effects that factors such as geography, ethnicity and income level have on access and the priorities of young people when balancing competing needs with limited resources.
Working with a range of national and international organisations as well as local communities, the findings will assist service providers and authorities in Brazil and elsewhere in developing a more accessible nexus for young people.
Peter Kraftl (Principal Investigator, Chair in Human Geography)
Benjamin Coles (Lecturer in Human Geography)
John Horton (Professor)
Sophie Hadfield-Hill
Collation of primary data on youth experiences of the food-water-energy nexus through community participatory workshops with local stakeholders. Primary data will include a survey with 5,000 young people, qualitative research including a novel app-based approach to mapping the nexus, and interviews with key policy-makers and practitioners. The project team is also running a global ‘food-water-energy’ video challenge, to foster cross-cultural dialogue about these issues.
Engagement and outreach activities with regional, national and international organisations through workshops and network events, as well as targeted publications such as briefing notes and good practice guides.
Development of open access multimedia guidance and training materials in Portuguese and English to support educators in enhancing awareness about the food-water-energy nexus.
Should we be (re)connecting children with ‘nature’ and ‘natural resources’?
11 December 2018