Integrated Watershed Management Vis-a-Vis Water–Energy–Food Nexus
79
2.2.3 Energy–Food
Considerations about the energy–food chapter in the food supply chain are principally related to the use of energy. Based on the degree of mechanization, agricultural
products directly use energy as fuel for different tillage practices, crop and rangeland management, and transportation or electricity. It is also indirectly consumed
through the use of energy inputs, such as fertilizers and pesticides or energy for
the production of agricultural machinery [23]. By 2050, an increase of 80% and
60% is expected in the global need for energy and food, respectively. In order to
reach an enhanced recognition about energy and food crisis resulted by developing
countries, it is essential to concentrate on relationship between energy–food–water
(EFW) and virtual water to connect the products trade, food, and water to each
other [47]. According to Zhang and Vesselinov [95], energy is a critical element in
food production and for mechanization, land preparation, fertilizer production and
application, irrigation, packaging, food processing and storage. Another important
dimension of energy–nexus is the influence of growing share of modern biology in the
world’s energy complex [23]. Portney et al. [65] investigated the food–energy–water
(FEW) nexus awareness in the American public and assessed how that awareness
was connected to policy support. According to their study, people awareness about
energy–food nexus was at the least level and their awareness about water–energy
nexus was at higher level. In addition, they argued that people with a higher level of
awareness of the relationship between energy and food should be more supportive of
energy efficiency, producing alternative energy to energy-intensive farming methods.
In addition, the Energy–Food Awareness Index should be positively correlated with
support for higher energy rates for high-volume users and higher licensing costs
for wasteful restaurants, and perhaps to support more groundwater monitoring in
hydraulic failure. From 2001 to 2016, Lu et al. [47] conducted a quantitative analysis in order to estimate the Central China region’s energy–food production water
footprint (WF) and virtual trade water flow. The outcomes illustrated the rise of the
energy and food production WF and virtual trade water flow, which lead to water
stress in local and export areas. In regard to this matter, recognition of different risks
and unity of the energy–food nexus and also the effects on various stakeholders are
predominant to follow energy and food security targets in tandem [23]. Risks and
influences within the energy–food nexus have also been summarized in Table 4.
2.2.4 Water–Energy–Food
There is an inevitable connection among water, energy, climate and food security,
and the associated natural resources. According to Machell et al. [50], the interdependency among water, energy, and food production is termed the water–energy–food
nexus. Water, energy, and foods security (individually and across interconnections)
illustrates that the WEF nexus required to be compiled and addressed in tandem to
enhance our knowledge about the following matters [13]:
79
2.2.3 Energy–Food
Considerations about the energy–food chapter in the food supply chain are principally related to the use of energy. Based on the degree of mechanization, agricultural
products directly use energy as fuel for different tillage practices, crop and rangeland management, and transportation or electricity. It is also indirectly consumed
through the use of energy inputs, such as fertilizers and pesticides or energy for
the production of agricultural machinery [23]. By 2050, an increase of 80% and
60% is expected in the global need for energy and food, respectively. In order to
reach an enhanced recognition about energy and food crisis resulted by developing
countries, it is essential to concentrate on relationship between energy–food–water
(EFW) and virtual water to connect the products trade, food, and water to each
other [47]. According to Zhang and Vesselinov [95], energy is a critical element in
food production and for mechanization, land preparation, fertilizer production and
application, irrigation, packaging, food processing and storage. Another important
dimension of energy–nexus is the influence of growing share of modern biology in the
world’s energy complex [23]. Portney et al. [65] investigated the food–energy–water
(FEW) nexus awareness in the American public and assessed how that awareness
was connected to policy support. According to their study, people awareness about
energy–food nexus was at the least level and their awareness about water–energy
nexus was at higher level. In addition, they argued that people with a higher level of
awareness of the relationship between energy and food should be more supportive of
energy efficiency, producing alternative energy to energy-intensive farming methods.
In addition, the Energy–Food Awareness Index should be positively correlated with
support for higher energy rates for high-volume users and higher licensing costs
for wasteful restaurants, and perhaps to support more groundwater monitoring in
hydraulic failure. From 2001 to 2016, Lu et al. [47] conducted a quantitative analysis in order to estimate the Central China region’s energy–food production water
footprint (WF) and virtual trade water flow. The outcomes illustrated the rise of the
energy and food production WF and virtual trade water flow, which lead to water
stress in local and export areas. In regard to this matter, recognition of different risks
and unity of the energy–food nexus and also the effects on various stakeholders are
predominant to follow energy and food security targets in tandem [23]. Risks and
influences within the energy–food nexus have also been summarized in Table 4.
2.2.4 Water–Energy–Food
There is an inevitable connection among water, energy, climate and food security,
and the associated natural resources. According to Machell et al. [50], the interdependency among water, energy, and food production is termed the water–energy–food
nexus. Water, energy, and foods security (individually and across interconnections)
illustrates that the WEF nexus required to be compiled and addressed in tandem to
enhance our knowledge about the following matters [13]: