A framework for optimizing water, energy, and food nexus for sustainable development considering agricultural production

The paramount resources essential for societal development encompass water, energy, and food. The concept of solidarity accentuates the interlinked management of these resources and has been implemented through a macro-level focus on these three elements. This study examines the water–energy–food (WEF) Nexus in Alborz province, Iran, focusing on the interdependencies and optimization of these essential resources. The research integrates data on water, energy, and food consumption, efficiency, and economic productivity, alongside assessing environmental impacts through carbon emissions. Using linear programming, six scenarios were evaluated: current conditions, minimizing water consumption, minimizing energy consumption, maximizing net profit, minimizing carbon emissions, and maximizing the WEF Nexus index. The findings indicate that tomato production yields the highest WEF Nexus index value, demonstrating optimal resource efficiency and economic returns. The scenario analysis shows that the model's implementation can lead to a 13.9% reduction in energy use and a 2.8% decrease in water consumption compared to the current conditions, with a simultaneous 4.8% increase in net profit. Additionally, the study highlights the environmental benefits, noting the lowest carbon emissions per unit area in tomato cultivation and the highest emissions in wheat production. The results underscore the importance of adopting integrated management strategies to optimize resource use, enhance sustainability, and support decision-making processes. The model’s versatility suggests its potential applicability to various regions with different climatic conditions, providing a valuable tool for policymakers and stakeholders to achieve sustainable development goals.