Enhancing community well-being in African drylands through technology-based solutions in the water–energy–food–ecosystems nexus

Chaibi, M. Thameur; Soussi, M.; Karnib, A.

doi:10.1039/d3ew00483j

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 135 publications

(220 reference statements)

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“…Table 4 shows the moderating effect results. Column (1) shows the result of the moderating effect of financial digitization. The coefficient of the interaction term between green finance and financial digitization is 0.1051 and significantly positive.…”

Section: Moderating Effect Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The United Nations included "Clean water and sanitation", "Affordable and clean energy", and "Zero hunger" among the sustainable development goals, with the intention of drawing the world's attention to water, energy, and food management. Water, energy, and food (WEF), as important basic resources for the development of human civilization, are not only related to the sustainable development of cities and regions but also to the basic survival of human beings [1]. However, the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2023: Special Edition shows that globally, 2.2 billion people still face water insecurity, 2.4 billion face food insecurity, and 675 million people lack access to electricity [2].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Can Green Finance Be a Regulator of “Water–Energy–Food” Synergy? Evidence from the Yangtze River Delta

Wang

2024

Sustainability

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The synergistic relationship between water, energy, and food faces increasing challenges. Green finance as a policy tool promotes high-quality and efficient development of water, energy, and food subsystems. However, whether it can improve the synergistic relationship of “water–energy–food” (WEF) still needs to be studied. Using the panel data of 38 prefecture-level cities in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) from 2013 to 2021, and network DEA and panel regression models, we study the impact of green finance on the level of synergy of “water–energy–food”. The results of the study show that green finance can promote the synergy level of “water–energy–food” in the Yangtze River Delta city cluster, which was first inhibited and then promoted from 2013 to 2021. The impacts of green finance on the efficiency of the three subsystems are also characterized by a “U” shape. However, linear impacts show differences, with green finance improving the efficiency of the water subsystem but not the energy and food subsystems. The implementation of China’s national strategies empowers green finance. The digital strategy, the “dual carbon” strategy, and the new urbanization strategy have increased the effectiveness of green finance in contributing to the level of water–energy–food synergy. Regional heterogeneity analysis shows that the promotion effect of green finance mainly exists in non-resource-based cities, non-main grain-producing areas, and non-cities along the South-to-North water diversion route and large cities. Finally, this paper puts forward relevant policy recommendations.

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Section: Moderating Effect Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Can Green Finance Be a Regulator of “Water–Energy–Food” Synergy? Evidence from the Yangtze River Delta

Wang

2024

Sustainability

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Sustainability assessment of solar‐powered drip irrigation for sugarcane in Egypt: A water–energy–food–ecosystem nexus perspective

Karnib,

Elbendary,

Abouelhassan

et al. 2024

World Water Policy

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This study investigates the adoption of solar‐powered drip irrigation systems in Egypt's sugarcane agriculture, analyzing the potential for improved sustainability through the water–energy–food–ecosystems (WEFE) nexus. Located in Qena Governorate, the research utilizes the Q‐Nexus model to compare traditional diesel‐powered irrigation with solar‐powered drip irrigation, focusing on their impacts on resource efficiency, agricultural productivity, and environmental services. Through a comprehensive methodological framework that incorporates input–output analysis, the interactions between water, energy, food production, and ecosystem services were quantified. Primary data was gathered from field interviews and surveys, supplemented by national agricultural statistics, enabling a detailed scenario analysis of current and sustainable practices. These scenarios were then used to assess the potential implications for water and energy conservation, emissions reduction, and overall sustainability. Results demonstrate significant benefits of solar‐powered drip irrigation, including a 48% reduction in water usage and a 93% decrease in diesel fuel consumption compared to diesel‐powered surface irrigation. Additionally, this approach resulted in a 34% reduction in labor and a 55% decrease in fertilizer use, while increasing sugarcane yield by 16%. Environmentally, the shift to solar‐powered systems drastically lowered greenhouse gas emissions and reduced toxicity from fertilizer runoff, underscoring the potential for enhancing agricultural sustainability and efficiency. Conclusively, the findings support the viability of integrating solar‐powered drip irrigation systems in Egyptian agriculture as a sustainable solution to improve resource efficiency, enhance productivity, and minimize environmental impacts. This study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable agriculture by providing empirical evidence of the economic and ecological benefits of adopting advanced irrigation and energy technologies. Recommendations for policy include investment in infrastructure, subsidies for sustainable technologies, and farmer training to promote widespread adoption. Future research directions should explore the scalability of such systems and their long‐term impacts on soil health and biodiversity.HIGHLIGHTS Resource efficiency and productivity improvement: The water–energy–food–ecosystems (WEFE) nexus assessment shows that solar‐powered drip irrigation in Egypt's sugarcane agriculture can potentially reduce water usage by 48%, diesel fuel consumption by 93%, and increase sugarcane yield by 16%, significantly improving resource efficiency and agricultural productivity. Environmental and economic benefits: The shift to solar‐powered irrigation systems can potentially lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduce labor by 34%, and decrease fertilizer use by 55%, minimizing toxicity from runoff and enhancing environmental sustainability while achieving cost savings. Policy and implementation recommendations: To support the WEFE nexus and encourage widespread adoption, investment in infrastructure, subsidies for sustainable technologies, and comprehensive farmer training are crucial. This study highlights the need for policies that integrate advanced irrigation and energy technologies to achieve sustainable agriculture.

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Effectiveness of wetlands as reservoirs for integrated water resource management in the Ruzizi plain based on water evaluation and planning (WEAP) approach for a climate-resilient future in eastern D.R. Congo

Chuma,

Mondo,

Wellens

et al. 2024

Sci Rep

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It is widely predicted that climate change’s adverse effects will intensify in the future, and along with inadequate agricultural practices, settlement development, and other anthropic activities, could contribute to rapid wetland degradation and thus exert significant negative effects on local communities. This study sought to develop an approach based on the Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) in the Ruzizi Plain, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where adverse effects of the climate change are increasingly recurrent. Initially, we analyzed the trends of climate data for the last three decades (1990–2022). Subsequently, the Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) approach was employed on two contrasting watersheds to estimate current and future water demands in the region and how local wetlands could serve as reservoirs to meeting water demands. Results indicate that the Ruzizi Plain is facing escalating water challenges owing to climate change, rapid population growth, and evolving land-use patterns. These factors are expected to affect water quality and quantity, and thus, increase pressure on wetland ecosystems. The analysis of past data shows recurrence of dry years (SPI ≤ − 1.5), reduced daily low-intensity rainfall (Pmm < 10 mm), and a significant increase in extreme rainfall events (Pmm ≥ 25 mm). The WEAP outcomes revealed significant variations in future water availability, demand, and potential stressors across watersheds. Cropland and livestock are the main water consumers in rural wetlands, while households, cropland (at a lesser extent), and other urban uses exert significant water demands on wetlands located in urban environments. Of three test scenarios, the one presenting wetlands as water reservoirs seemed promising than those considered optimal (based on policies regulating water use) and rational (stationary inputs but with a decrease in daily allocation). These findings highlight the impact of climate change in the Ruzizi plain, emphasizing the urgency of implementing adaptive measures. This study advocates for the necessity of the IWRM approach to enhance water resilience, fostering sustainable development and wetland preservation under changing climate.

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Enhancing community well-being in African drylands through technology-based solutions in the water–energy–food–ecosystems nexus

Abstract: Africa is the driest of the world continents with the challenge of drylands, including arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid regions, covering a substantial 43% of the continent's land area and...

Cited by 5 publications

References 135 publications

Can Green Finance Be a Regulator of “Water–Energy–Food” Synergy? Evidence from the Yangtze River Delta

Can Green Finance Be a Regulator of “Water–Energy–Food” Synergy? Evidence from the Yangtze River Delta

Sustainability assessment of solar‐powered drip irrigation for sugarcane in Egypt: A water–energy–food–ecosystem nexus perspective

Effectiveness of wetlands as reservoirs for integrated water resource management in the Ruzizi plain based on water evaluation and planning (WEAP) approach for a climate-resilient future in eastern D.R. Congo

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