A recent study led by Umar Shuaibu Aliyu from the Department of Business Administration at the American University of Cyprus sheds light on the intricate relationship between food, energy, and water security in the context of sustainable development goals (SDGs). Published in ‘Discover Sustainability’, this research offers a fresh perspective on how these critical sectors can converge to drive economic growth, particularly in Nigeria.
The study, which analyzed annual data from 1980 to 2020, employs an asymmetric autoregressive distributive lag (NARDL) approach to assess the impacts of various factors on sustainable development. The findings are striking: positive changes in food production, water supply development, and industrial value addition significantly enhance sustainable development, while negative factors such as increased energy use and carbon emissions yield detrimental effects.
Aliyu emphasizes the urgency of these findings, stating, “A 1% increase in food production or water supply can bolster sustainable development, but we must be cautious as a similar increase in energy use can hinder progress.” This insight is particularly pertinent for stakeholders in the water, sanitation, and drainage sectors, where the interdependencies of these resources are crucial for operational efficiency and long-term viability.
The implications for the commercial landscape are profound. As nations strive to meet the 2030 SDGs, the water sector must adapt by innovating systems that manage and utilize natural resources more effectively. Aliyu’s research indicates that achieving equilibrium convergence requires an annual improvement of 16.2%. This presents a significant opportunity for businesses focused on value-added services and renewable energy production to play a pivotal role in this transformation.
The call for innovative management systems is echoed throughout the study, suggesting that integrating renewable energy solutions into water management could enhance both sustainability and profitability. As Aliyu notes, “We need to adopt systems that not only manage resources but also increase their value in productive sectors.”
This research not only highlights the pressing need for sustainable practices but also positions the water, sanitation, and drainage sectors as key players in the global push towards sustainability. By aligning their strategies with the findings of this study, companies can not only contribute to meeting the SDGs but also capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable solutions.
For more information about Umar Shuaibu Aliyu and his work, you can visit lead_author_affiliation. The insights from this research, published in ‘Discover Sustainability’, underscore the importance of a holistic approach to resource management, one that could redefine how industries operate in the face of growing environmental challenges.