Nexus efficiency of centralized and decentralized models for water management and food production in the region of Alentejo , Portugal

The region of Alentejo is characterized for activities like agriculture, forestry and agrofood industries. The main regions for agriculture production and animal husbandry are the areas of holm oaks and cork oaks. Rural settlements are usually clustered in the hills and in compact villages. Due to these factors there is a heterogeneity in the landscape and productive structures in the region, therefore is considered as the food pantry of Portugal.

General objective • To stress the importance of sustainable water management through decentralized models such as water retention landscape (WRL) as a feasible alternative for regional self-sufficiency and regenerative basis for autonomous water supply and food production. 

Specific objectives • To assess how the efficiency of centralized and decentralized models of water and food management contributes to the restoration and regeneration of the surface layer of the soil, vegetation cover and other ecosystem services. • To showcase how ecological design is a sustainable long term solution for settlements, both rural and urban, and the livelihood of the inhabitants by allowing free access to clean water and healthy food.