The Water-Energy-Food Nexus and the Transboundary Context: Insights from Large Asian Rivers

Abstract

Abstract:The water-energy-food nexus is a topical subject for research and practice, reflecting the importance of these sectors for humankind and the complexity and magnitude of the challenges they are facing. While the nexus as a concept is not yet mature or fully tested in practice, it has already encouraged a range of approaches in a variety of contexts. This article provides a set of definitions recognizing three perspectives that see the nexus as an analytical tool, governance framework and as an emerging discourse. It discusses the implications that an international transboundary context brings to the nexus and vice versa. Based on a comparative analysis of three Asian regions-Central Asia, South Asia and the Mekong Region-and their related transboundary river basins, we propose that the transboundary context has three major implications: diversity of scales and perspectives, importance of state actors and importance of politics. Similarly, introducing the nexus as an approach in a transboundary context has a potential to provide new resources and approaches, alter existing actor dynamics and portray a richer picture of relationships. Overall, the significance of water-energy-food linkages and their direct impacts on water allocation mean that the nexus has the potential to complement existing approaches also in the transboundary river basins.

Modeling the Hydropower–Food Nexus in Large River Basins: A Mekong Case Study

“…In the context of a "nexus approach" to transboundary river basins [75], the use of influence models aids systematic analysis by identifying links across sectors. Developing and using influence models enables discourse among actors on trade-offs and synergies across water, energy, food and other sectors.…”

Essentials of Endorheic Basins and Lakes: A Review in the Context of Current and Future Water Resource Management and Mitigation Activities in Central Asia

“…The role of water in the water-energy-food nexus is crucial as it is acting as an enabler, whereas in areas dominated by water scarcity it limits food and energy production [100]. This is precisely the case for CA, as water has always been a limited but vital resource and a source of tension and conflict in the area [101].…”

“…The dam will provide upstream Tajikistan with hydropower, while the downstream countries fear that it could negatively impact their irrigated agriculture [99,110]. In addition, tensions between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are not uncommon as the water storage infrastructure providing water to Uzbekistan is located in Turkmenistan [100,111]. These countries have considered switching from cotton to wheat production for food self-sufficiency, which could lead to water savings if the irrigation systems were efficient [111].…”

Water-food-energy nexus : A quick scan

“…No commonly agreed definition or conceptual framework for the nexus has emerged and therefore different organisations and authors-intentionally or not-interpret its essence quite differently (Keskinen et al, 2016;Wichelns, 2017). Also, climate change is frequently added to the nexus, as climate change has interactions with all components of the water-food-energy nexus (WEF, 2011).…”

“…The ideal nexus approach consists of a systematic process for both analysis and policy-making that focuses on the linkages between water, energy, food and other linked sectors to promote sustainability, synergies and resource-use efficiency (Keskinen et al, 2016). The water-food-energy nexus approach means a change from business as usual and current mind-sets, linking and adding value to existing sectoral approaches and expertise, and in that way reducing trade-off and promoting synergies (ACCWaM, 2017).…”