Methods of the Water-Energy-Food Nexus

TLDR

The paper presents a suite of methods for analyzing the water‑energy‑food nexus. Methods are classified as qualitative or quantitative, with qualitative approaches describing the nexus and including surveys, ontology engineering, and integrated maps, while quantitative methods comprise physical models, benefit‑cost analysis, integrated indices, and optimization models, all demonstrated through case studies in Japan and the Philippines. The methods, though demonstrated in Japan and the Philippines, are transferable to other regions with suitable calibration.

Abstract

This paper focuses on a collection of methods that can be used to analyze the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus. We classify these methods as qualitative or quantitative for interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research approaches. The methods for interdisciplinary research approaches can be used to unify a collection of related variables, visualize the research problem, evaluate the issue, and simulate the system of interest. Qualitative methods are generally used to describe the nexus in the region of interest, and include primary research methods such as Questionnaire Surveys, as well as secondary research methods such as Ontology Engineering and Integrated Maps. Quantitative methods for examining the nexus include Physical Models, Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA), Integrated Indices, and Optimization Management Models. The authors discuss each of these methods in the following sections, along with accompanying case studies from research sites in Japan and the Philippines. Although the case studies are specific to two regions, these methods could be applicable to other areas, with appropriate calibration.