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

Abstract

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.