Research article // Impacts of climatic change and database information design on the water-energy-food nexus in water-scarce regions
By Alaba Boluwade. So far, no studies in Oman have attempted to provide quantitative indicators or metrics from the standpoint of the impacts of climate change on WEF nexus. Therefore, using South & North Al-Batinah irrigation agriculture as a case study, the primary objectives of this paper are (1) evaluate the synergies and trade-offs of WEF nexus in a water scares region, (2) to develop a relational database needed for the nexus such as data on actual water and energy use in irrigation, runoff, recharge, etc., at these two governorates, and (3) to quantify the impacts of climate change events on the current government’s Tanfeedh plans for economic diversification in agriculture and fisheries (i.e. a shift from a traditional oil and gas-based economy) and also provide important alternatives that can increase the water use efficiency and improve the profitability of the farming system.
The Study Area Showing Al-Batinah Imageries (magnified) in 1984 and 2018. © The authors
Highlights
- The study highlights the synergies and trade-offs in the WEF nexus in Oman.
- By 2099, the mean temperature will range from 2.0 to 3.5°C for RCP8.5.
- Analysis showed drier January and February months with heavy precipitation events.
- Impacts can trickle down to impact other links in the nexus (e.g. energy & food).
Abstract
The objective of this paper was three-fold. The paper highlights the synergies and tradeoffs in the interconnectedness of water-energy-food (WEF) for the agricultural corridor of North-South Al-Batinah, Sultanate of Oman. The study further evaluates the impacts of climate change on the WEF nexus. The results show that by 2099, Al-Batinah’s mean temperature will range from 2.0 to 3.5 °C and 1.0 to 2.5 °C for RCP8.5 and RCP4.5 scenarios, respectively, when compared to 1986–2005 historical simulations. From a precipitation standpoint, the analysis showed drier January and February months with significant heavy precipitation events in March for both scenarios when compared with the historical simulations. Thus, the significance and findings of this study further indicate there will be a persistent reduction in water availability which can affect crop yield. The excess wetness in March can lead to extreme climatic events such as flooding and inundation of farmlands. These impacts can trickle down to affect other links in the nexus such as the energy and food supply as well as Tanfeedh plans for economic diversification in agriculture and fisheries proposed by the central government. The study also recognizes the importance of data gaps and various sources of available data that could be integrated for improved planning and decision making. Therefore, a database system using the Unified Model Language was proposed. This platform, when implemented, will help Oman’s efforts in the next decade in strengthening the links between the WEF nexus, meeting the nexus’s demands as a result of climate change, population growth, etc., and also achieving sustainable development goals.
Keywords
WEF nexus; Climate change; Relational database; Sultanate of Oman; Sustainable development goals
Published
2021
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Citation
Boluwade, A. (2021). Impacts of climatic change and database information design on the water-energy-food nexus in water-scarce regions. Water-Energy Nexus, 4, 54–68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wen.2021.03.002
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