Water, food and agriculture

The water, soil and energy form the basis of human and non-human survival and their societies. The main relation between society and the environment remains food production using land and water. Large scale mechanised, fertilised agriculture, rearing of livestock, but also complex irrigation systems were key for establishing mass production and global food chains.

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Exploring the future of water

Centre members research various aspects of this relation between energy, water, climate, food production, culture, and the local environment. We examine the political structures that determine its use and future development of water, agriculture and food production, especially under the challenging conditions of climate change. Solutions are sought for conflict and post-conflict societies where shortages remain an infrastructural challenge. Other dimensions of this research agenda include the access and quality of fresh water, including for sanitation and hygiene (WASH), but also questions of globally declining soil fertility.