Synergising agricultural systems: A critical review of the interdependencies within the water-energy-food nexus for sustainable futures

Abstract

To achieve sustainable development goals, it isessential to understand the intricate relationships among water, energy, and food systems in agriculture. With global challenges such as climate change, population growth, and resource depletion looming, understanding and optimising these interdependencies is imperative for fostering sustainable agricultural practices and ensuring food security. Scholarly literature and policy arenas increasingly embrace the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus as an innovative strategy for tackling intricate resource and developmental issues. Despite the conceptual promise of the WEF nexus, its practical application in systematically assessing interconnections and facilitating the formulation of pertinent resource policies has remained limited. Hence, this review critically analyses the synergistic interactions among water, energy, and food systems within agriculture. A comprehensive analysis of 770 research articles sheds light on the evolving research landscape across various countries and their interconnectedness within the WEF nexus over time. Through analysing case studies and theoretical frameworks, the review underscores the importance of collaboration among stakeholders and interdisciplinary research to achieve sustainable agricultural systems. This study not only elucidates the diverse interconnections within the WEF nexus but also introduces three distinct conceptual frameworks; the interplay between WEF sectors, the intricacies of WEF interactions in agricultural production, and the untapped potential of the WEF nexus in agriculture. Furthermore, it underscores the imperative for future research to address gaps in understanding the WEF nexus, explore the interface between WEF and policy in agriculture, and enhance governance frameworks for managing the WEF nexus effectively.