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The list of challenges associated with the operation of the Grand Ethiopian Resistance Dam (GERD) now includes global concern over climate change. Due to their inability to reach a legally enforceable agreement on how to address watershed degradation and water quality, riparian nations are already experiencing peace and security issues. A win–win strategy seeks to develop collaborative solutions to transboundary water management problems while maximizing the benefits for both parties. This paper aims to develop, evaluate, and analyze win–win transboundary water management strategies during the operating stage of GERD. Using value engineering (VE), functional analysis system technique (FAST), and life cycle cost (LCC), the optimal win–win strategy is determined. The study uncovered four distinct value options for various win–win strategies. According to the study results, the third win–win strategy is the most effective way to help both upstream and downstream nations retain peace, as it seeks to encourage riparian countries to collaborate by: i) developing cooperative regulatory policy; ii) switching to renewable energy supported by GERD; and iii) reducing water loss. This study advances our understanding of the topic by providing policymakers with a tool to: i) evaluate win–win strategies for managing transboundary water; and ii) incorporate the added value and functionality into policies regarding transboundary water management.

Water scarcity and climate change are posing new challenges to irrigation management. Climate change increases water demand and decreases crop yields. The aim of this paper is to propose a framework to select the most efficient irrigation strategy to mitigate the impacts of climate change and achieve food security. Value engineering (VE) methodology is utilized to assure the functionality of the strategy and add an element of creativity while creating the value alternatives. The life cycle cost (LCC) technique is utilized to provide the optimum irrigation strategy from an economic perspective. The findings showed three different value alternatives for different crops, soil types, and irrigation systems. This paper contributes to the current state of knowledge by a) utilizing the Value Engineering methodology in irrigation management studies; b) evaluating irrigation strategies to ensure efficient irrigation water management; and c) providing policymakers with a tool to incorporate the added value and functionality into their policies regarding irrigation water.

Abnormal changes in temperature, precipitation, atmospheric carbon dioxide, or solar radiation are examples of climate change that may affect irrigation water demand. Studies show an increasing trend in the earth’s surface temperature, with decreasing trends in rainfall. With most studies focused on predicting the extent of climate change, fewer studies focused on developing appropriate response strategies. This paper aims to propose a systematic approach to identify, analyze, and respond to the risks of climate change on irrigation water in arid regions using the Risk Management process. The compound effect of these risks was analysed using Monte Carlo Simulation, which indicated a 69% loss in crop production due to climate change at a 90% confidence level. The proposed responses to the risks of climate change include strategies to avoid, transfer, mitigate, and/or accept these risks. The study has made three contributions to the state of the art. First, to adopt a well-recognized risk management methodology in climate change studies. Second, to quantify the compound effect of climate change risks on irrigation water in arid regions. Third, to recommend a set of response strategies to help policymakers mitigate the inevitable harmful effect of climate change on irrigation water.