1. Methods of the Water-Energy-Food Nexus
- Author
-
Pedcris M. Orencio, Kimberly Burnett, Christopher A. Wada, Izumi Tsurita, Terukazu Kumazawa, Akira Ishii, Makoto Taniguchi, and Aiko Endo
- Subjects
Engineering ,lcsh:Hydraulic engineering ,Calibration (statistics) ,Geography, Planning and Development ,water-energy-food nexus (WEF) ,Aquatic Science ,computer.software_genre ,Biochemistry ,integrated indices ,ontology engineering ,lcsh:Water supply for domestic and industrial purposes ,integrated maps ,lcsh:TC1-978 ,integrated tools ,transdisciplinary ,Water energy ,physical models ,Water Science and Technology ,lcsh:TD201-500 ,business.industry ,Management science ,Secondary research ,benefit-cost analysis (BCA) ,optimization management models ,Ontology engineering ,interdisciplinary ,business ,Nexus (standard) ,computer ,Qualitative research ,Primary research - Abstract
This paper focuses on a collection of methods that can be used to analyze the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus. We classify these methods as qualitative or quantitative for interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research approaches. The methods for interdisciplinary research approaches can be used to unify a collection of related variables, visualize the research problem, evaluate the issue, and simulate the system of interest. Qualitative methods are generally used to describe the nexus in the region of interest, and include primary research methods such as Questionnaire Surveys, as well as secondary research methods such as Ontology Engineering and Integrated Maps. Quantitative methods for examining the nexus include Physical Models, Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA), Integrated Indices, and Optimization Management Models. The authors discuss each of these methods in the following sections, along with accompanying case studies from research sites in Japan and the Philippines. Although the case studies are specific to two regions, these methods could be applicable to other areas, with appropriate calibration.
- Published
- 2015