Indicator-Based Framework for Assessment of Water-Energy-Food Nexus: Application to the Ping River Basin, Thailand

Research output: Contribution to book/Conference proceedings/Anthology/ReportChapter in book/Anthology/ReportContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Kaushal Chapagain - , Asian Institute of Technology (Author)
  • Mukand S. Babel - , Asian Institute of Technology, United Nations University - Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES) (Author)
  • Daniel Karthe - , United Nations University - Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES), TUD Dresden University of Technology, German-Mongolian Institute of Resources and Technology (Author)
  • Jürgen Stamm - , Chair of Hydraulic Engineering (Author)

Abstract

Sustainable development in river basins depends on the balanced management of water, energy, and food resources, which are closely interlinked and often compete for limited supplies. Addressing these interdependencies through a nexus perspective enables more coordinated strategies, reduces resource-use conflicts, and supports long-term resilience. This study presents an indicator-based framework for assessing Water-Energy-Food (WEF) interactions at the basin scale. The framework is structured in three levels: Level 1 analyzes and covers direct two-way relationships between water, energy, and food; Level 2 examines how any two resources jointly influence the third; and Level 3 integrates these results into a single composite index to capture the overall nexus condition. By focusing on biophysical perspective, the framework reduces complexity, remains adaptable across river basins, and facilitates cross-basin comparisons. The framework is applied to the Ping River Basin, Thailand, to demonstrate its utility. Findings point to a downward trend in nexus performance, mainly due to rising agricultural water demand and reduced efficiency in energy provision and water services. Overall, the framework offers a practical decision-support tool for guiding system-based interventions in WEF resource management.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWater Security and Climate Change
PublisherSpringer Nature
Pages3-17
Number of pages15
ISBN (electronic)978-3-032-08411-8
ISBN (print)978-3-032-08410-1, 978-3-032-08413-2
Publication statusPublished - 2026
Peer-reviewedYes

Publication series

SeriesSpringer Water
VolumePart F1310
ISSN2364-6934

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0002-3729-0166/work/217237989

Keywords

Keywords

  • Indicators, Multi-level Assessment Framework, Ping River Basin, Water-Energy-Food Nexus, Water-Energy-Food Nexus Index (WEFNI)