A Literature Review to Propose a Systematic Procedure to Develop “Nexus Thinking” Considering the Water–Energy–Food Nexus

Abstract

There is a growing interest in the literature on the theme of the water–energy–food nexus, as there is growing recognition that sectors that share natural resources have interdependent and interconnected systems. Despite the widespread popularity of nexus thinking, it still lacks standardized procedures and methodologies to assist in its development. Therefore, this paper proposes, from a literature review, a systematic procedure to assist in the development of management models based on nexus thinking. To this end, 304 papers were analyzed using the following criteria: nexus concept, type of approach, geographic scale, elements in the nexus system, application context, and types of assessment methods and tools. The results of the review served as the basis for determining the procedure, which consisted of four steps: (a) understanding nexus thinking, (b) identification of composing variables, (c) evaluation (diagnosis and prognosis), and (d) decision-making. In addition to the standardization of these steps, the main information used to compose the procedure was organized and synthesized with a mind map.

Identifying Ecosystem Key Factors to Support Sustainable Water Management

“…Using the nexus 'ES key factors-EQSs-ES G&Ss' is expected to gain importance with complex modelling based on Bayesian Networks and/or 'nexus thinking' related to (combinations of) environmental factors-such as the 'water-energy-food' nexus-and decision-making. In this respect, Torres et al [61] stresses the importance of conceptualization of nexus modelling and the inclusion of the ecosystem and related ecosystem services as a central element, as well as the need to restrict the number of elements included in the model structure. Bayesian Networks are decision support tools that are widely used for analyzing impacts on aquatic systems and scenario-analyses in water resources management, although this requires the identification of key system variables and understanding of their mutual relationships [62].…”

Decision support system for selecting sectoral data-bases in studies of the water–energy–agricultural–environmental nexus

“…Step 3: defining the criteria Aspects for the database analysis were defined to ascertain the possibility of integrating information. The criteria were defined from two points: • systematic review of the literature, based on Torres et al (2019), contemplating publications involving the theme "nexus, " in the research platforms aiming to identify authors who deal with information systems for integrated evaluations. The main authors who guided these definitions were: WEF (2011), Eftelioglu et al (2016), Endo et al (2017), Albrecht et al (2018), Embid and Martín (2018), Dai et al (2018), Shannak et al (2018), andMcGrane et al (2019); • survey of the main aspects to be considered in a database to support integrated assessments of the corresponding sectors.…”

“…The investigations cited above were defined based on the bibliographic review mentioned in Step 3, as based on the systematic review by Torres et al (2019).…”

“…Since its emergence, research on the nexus concept can be observed across three thematic areas (Torres et al, 2019):…”

Insights on Water and Climate Change in the Greater Horn of Africa: Connecting Virtual Water and Water-Energy-Food-Biodiversity-Health Nexus

“…The MSNA's uniqueness lies in its ability to provide prospects for comprehensive policy alignment and nexus-related impacts of implemented policies, highlighting highly relevant reaction mechanisms and relations. This attitude emerged from other multi-intersectoral frameworks, such as ecology-related-services analysis, in that it establishes a framework for integrative information generation and cross-sectoral management by ensuring adequate consideration to all sectors concerned [36,38].…”