341
In Chap. 1, we reviewed seven different framings of the nexus of FEW systems
that allow the analysis of FEW systems in a coupled fashion. In Chap. 2, we
showed how a system science approach allows recognition of internal (endogenous) interactions and feedbacks among the food, energy, and water systems,
while other variables are included to recognize external (exogenous) drivers on
the system.
Planning and development challenges at the nexus of FEW systems are likely to
involve other factors such as land-use, urbanization, demographics, and environmental protection. A number of data and modeling platforms have been developed
to support the assessment of FEW sector developments under different economic
and environmental policy conditions, and to support integrated resource development in the different sectors. Typically, however, these data and modeling tools are
designed for different purposes, and linkages between the food, energy, and water
sector development are limited. Moreover, the level of technical detail and complexity in the models can preclude their application for upstream sector strategy development, a crucial analytical need in development planning.
In Chap. 2, we also noted that bottom-up and top-down approaches can be envisioned in developing an approach for integrated modeling of FEW systems,
particularly with respect to the needed economic analysis. For instance, the output
from the different food, energy, and water system models can be incorporated into
an economic model that enables us to look at different policy options. This first
approach involves bottom-up model coordination that draws on and extends existing system models. A second, top-down approach, can be focused on extending
economy-wide computable general equilibrium (CGE) models to account for
Fig. 12.4 Logical diagram for the integration of advances in FEW system modeling
12 Questions and Scales
In Chap. 1, we reviewed seven different framings of the nexus of FEW systems
that allow the analysis of FEW systems in a coupled fashion. In Chap. 2, we
showed how a system science approach allows recognition of internal (endogenous) interactions and feedbacks among the food, energy, and water systems,
while other variables are included to recognize external (exogenous) drivers on
the system.
Planning and development challenges at the nexus of FEW systems are likely to
involve other factors such as land-use, urbanization, demographics, and environmental protection. A number of data and modeling platforms have been developed
to support the assessment of FEW sector developments under different economic
and environmental policy conditions, and to support integrated resource development in the different sectors. Typically, however, these data and modeling tools are
designed for different purposes, and linkages between the food, energy, and water
sector development are limited. Moreover, the level of technical detail and complexity in the models can preclude their application for upstream sector strategy development, a crucial analytical need in development planning.
In Chap. 2, we also noted that bottom-up and top-down approaches can be envisioned in developing an approach for integrated modeling of FEW systems,
particularly with respect to the needed economic analysis. For instance, the output
from the different food, energy, and water system models can be incorporated into
an economic model that enables us to look at different policy options. This first
approach involves bottom-up model coordination that draws on and extends existing system models. A second, top-down approach, can be focused on extending
economy-wide computable general equilibrium (CGE) models to account for
Fig. 12.4 Logical diagram for the integration of advances in FEW system modeling
12 Questions and Scales