TITLE:
Assessing the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems Nexus in Smart Irrigation: A Potato Farming Case Study in Lebanon
AUTHORS:
Ali Karnib, Hammou Laamrani, Jauad El Kharraz
KEYWORDS:
Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems Nexus, Sustainable Agriculture, Smart Irrigation, Q-Nexus Model
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.12 No.8,
August
13,
2024
ABSTRACT: This study examines the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) nexus in Lebanese agriculture, with a focus on the shift from conventional surface irrigation techniques to advanced smart irrigation systems in the Bekaa region, specifically targeting potato cultivation. The study quantitatively analyzes the interaction among water, energy, and agricultural outputs at the farm scale using the WEFE Nexus framework for scenario analysis. It evaluates variations in water productivity, environmental effects, and economic outcomes, offering a detailed view of existing practices and their sustainable improvement potential. The WEFE Nexus assessment demonstrates that smart irrigation integration significantly decreased resource usage: water consumption was reduced by 58%, diesel fuel use for irrigation dropped by 57%, and the demand for labor and fertilizers decreased by 47% and 49%, respectively. This change led to enhanced crop yields and increased resource efficiency, demonstrating the potential of smart irrigation as a transformative strategy for sustainable agriculture in Lebanon and other arid areas. Economic analysis showed that farmers could recover the costs of installing the smart irrigation system within 3 months. The findings highlight the need for further research on integrating smart irrigation with renewable energy, showing potential for sustainable agricultural development.