Research Article // A tool for optimizing the water, energy, food and ecosystem service nexus amidst diverse stakeholder interests
By Verbist et al. This study applies the Stakeholder WEFE Efficiency Evaluation Tool (SWEET) to optimize the water–energy–food–ecosystem (WEFE) nexus in Uzbekistan by identifying stakeholder priorities, trade-offs, and governance challenges across sectors.
Abstract
Climate change and population growth are intensifying pressures on agricultural resources, underscoring the need to optimize the WEFE nexus. This study applies the Stakeholder WEFE efficiency evaluation tool (SWEET) in Uzbekistan through key informant interviews with representatives from governmental departments managing water, energy, food and environmental sectors. Results reveal divergence and convergence of priorities across departments and sectors, respectively around soil cover, fuel consumption and food crop production. Non-food crops were however consistently deprioritized. SWEET supports the identification of shared priorities and potentially conflicting interests, thereby helping prevent rebound effects and building coherent WEFE governance.
Published
03 March 2026
In
International Journal of Water Resources Development