The intricate interplay between water, energy, and food systems has become a focal point in global discussions on sustainability and development. The concept of the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus recognizes the interconnectedness of these essential resources, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to address challenges. In the specific context of Jordan, a country grappling with unique socio-economic and environmental pressures, understanding and navigating the WEF Nexus is of paramount importance. The Water-Energy-Food Nexus refers to the complex web of relationships that exists between water, energy, and food production systems. This integration is a pressing reality in Jordan, a water-scarce country in the heart of the Middle East, with profound implications for economic stability and human well-being. The challenge is to maintain a delicate balance between these resources in order to ensure sustainable development and meet the needs of a growing population that includes a large number of refugees and migrants from various countries.
Jordan’s Context
Jordan is confronted with unique challenges in the areas of water, energy, and food. Water scarcity is an ongoing problem that is exacerbated by climatic conditions and increased demand. According to the World Bank, Jordan is one of the world’s most water-scarce countries, importing more than 90% of its energy and grain consumption (The World bank,2023). The energy sector is one of the most vital sectors in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan due to its major impact on sustainable development and significant achievements during the past period despite the great challenges posed by lack of indigenous energy resources given the 93% of the country’s dependence on imports of its total energy needs in 2018, comparing with 97% in 2014 (Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resource). Water scarcity and energy-intensive practices plague the agricultural sector, which is critical to food security. This convergence of challenges necessitates a thorough understanding of their interdependence. The nexus between water, energy, and food in Jordan is characterized by intricate mutual impacts. Water scarcity directly influences energy production; as hydroelectric power becomes less reliable. Concurrently, energy-intensive agricultural practices exacerbate water scarcity, creating a cyclical challenge. The delicate equilibrium between these resources is disrupted, impacting not only their individual supply chains but also the overall economic stability of the nation.
Following the government’s successful decision to halt the “electricity-for-water” deal with the Israeli occupation entity, which was supposed to provide Jordan with 200 million cubic meters of desalinated water in exchange for Jordan providing the occupation entity with 600 megawatts annually of electricity generated from solar energy (Insert the hyperlink : u go up to Insert : Hyperlink : this is used to make the article more condense and small (AL Jazeera,2021). Jordan then can use surplus solar energy in agricultural operations, food and a variety of other operations.
Figure 1 depicts Jordan’s water resource shares for the year 2021. It demonstrates Jordan’s lack of a water desalination program. Because of the presence of a surplus of solar energy, it is also possible to reach agreements with other countries capable of developing water desalination plants in exchange for this surplus or any other surplus Jordan has.
Figure 1. Shares of water resources in Jordan (2021)
Note: The Ministry of Water and Irrigation, National Water Strategy 2023–2040(Data)
Challenges from an Economic Perspective
The economic challenges within the WEF Nexus in Jordan are deeply rooted in the principles of supply and demand. Water scarcity directly impacts agricultural productivity, leading to reduced food supply. The increased demand for energy, often imported due to local constraints, places strain on the national budget. The interplay of these factors creates a complex economic landscape where resource scarcity can lead to inflation, affecting the cost of living for the population. The agricultural sector, a significant contributor to Jordan’s economy. Jordan’s agricultural sector is a significant contributor to the country’s economy. According to President of the Jordanian Farmers Union Mahmoud Oran, Jordan’s agricultural sector now accounts for 30% of the national GDP (The Jordan Times,2022). However, due to water shortages, Jordan faces challenges in meeting rising food demand. Water scarcity increases the cost of irrigation, impacting the supply of locally produced food. This, in turn, contributes to a reliance on food imports, further straining the national budget. The economic ripple effect is evident, affecting not only the agricultural industry but also influencing the cost and availability of food in the market. In the energy sector, the reliance on imported energy sources places additional pressure on the economy. Fluctuations in global energy prices directly impact Jordan’s budget, affecting the affordability of energy for industries and
households alike. The economic vulnerability created by this dependence highlights the urgent need for diversified and sustainable energy sources.
Figure 2. Energy and Food Imports in Jordan
Note: data from department of Statistics http://www.dos.gov.jo/dos_home_a/main/linked-html/external_trade.htm
Figure 2 shows the volume of annual food and energy imports in Jordan from 2012 to 2022, with continuous fluctuations in energy imports reflecting positively or negatively on the gross domestic product depending on the year. For example, the 2020 energy sector slump was caused by coronavirus, which also affected many other sectors.
The graph also illustrates a continuous rise in food imports, which is expected to lead to a decline in output. Moreover, due to its water-scarce nature, Jordan confronts growing food insecurity, compelling the country to import approximately 87 percent of its food (United Nations Jordan, 2022). According to the linear equation of the gross domestic product, there exists a negative correlation between the variables Y and M.
Y=C+I+G+(X−M)
Y: Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
C: Consumption.
I: Investment.
G: Government Spending.
X: Exports.
M: Imports.
This upward trend is anticipated to persist, posing additional economic challenges unless the government promptly initiates projects that promote local food production and executes agreements to secure water from other nations. Alternatively, the government can explore the option of drilling wells and creating reservoirs in Jordan’s sandy lands. These reservoirs can store water during the winter for year-round usage, potentially leading to a reduction in Jordan’s reliance on food imports. Such a strategy aligns with the government’s vision and efforts to drive local investment activities. Renewable energy sources with low operating costs can be utilized and relied upon for power generation and other operations, consequently diminishing the need for energy imports.
Addressing Jordan’s Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus challenges necessitates a comprehensive approach that incorporates economic considerations as well as an understanding of supply-demand dynamics.
Water Supply-Demand Dynamics:
Supply: This refers to the quantity and quality of water resources available in a given region. It includes considerations such as surface water, groundwater, and their accessibility.
Demand: On the demand side, this involves the various uses of water, including agriculture, industry, and domestic consumption.
Understanding water demand requires assessing the needs of different sectors and how they fluctuate over time.
Energy Supply-Demand Dynamics:
Energy supply: encompasses sources like fossil fuels, renewable energy, and electricity grids. It’s crucial to analyze the availability, cost, and environmental impact of these energy sources.
Energy demand: is driven by sectors such as industry, transportation, and households.
Understanding energy demand involves evaluating the consumption patterns, efficiency measures, and technological advancements in energy use.
Food Supply-Demand Dynamics:
Food supply: The supply of food involves agricultural productivity, land use, and the efficiency of farming practices. It’s important to consider factors like climate, soil quality, and technology affecting food production.
Food demand: is influenced by population growth, dietary preferences, and economic factors.
Examining food demand requires understanding changes in consumption patterns and nutritional needs.
The scientific community makes significant contributions by providing evidence-based solutions ranging from water-efficient agricultural practices to long-term energy solutions. Collaboration between the government, researchers, and the private sector is critical for innovation, informed policymaking, and the development of a sustainable environment for Jordan’s resilience and prosperity.
