The Q-Nexus Model web tool is based on the theory of the Q-Nexus Model, it can simulate multi-sectoral quantitative analysis, it can also calculate the direct and indirect cross sectoral impacts. You may refer to the scientific published papers on the Q-Nexus theory and applications for more information, copies of these papers are available at the information hub.
The Q-Nexus Model web tool creates an environment for multisectoral coordinated planning, it allows different actors from different sectors to work together on the same multisectoral nexus project. For each project, the different actors will be identified by their user names and passwords.
Quadrant-Based Strategic Prioritization (QSP) Method
The QSP Method incorporates four key quadrants: Strength Elements, Weakness Elements, Opportunity Elements, and Threat Elements. Each quadrant comprises tailored criteria relevant to the WEFE Nexus, ensuring a holistic assessment. The proposed methodology leverages fuzzy linguistic terms to capture stakeholder evaluations, converting these into fuzzy numbers for quantitative analysis. Aggregated criteria scores are then defuzzified to calculate positive and negative impact scores. The greater the positive impact score and the lower the negative impact score, the higher the project’s priority. These scores are used to build the priority preorder for the WEFE Nexus projects.
Practical Applications of the Q-Nexus
Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus Assessment of Agriculture Production in Egypt
The primary objective of this study is to methodically analyze the water, energy, food, and ecosystems (WEFE) nexus within Egypt’s agricultural sector, with a particular focus on sugarcane, wheat, and fruit crops. Identified as key to national interests, these crops play a vital role in ensuring Egypt’s food security and its agricultural economic development. By comparing traditional farming practices against innovative approaches that utilize drip irrigation powered by renewable solar energy, the study aims to evaluate the potential shifts in water use efficiency, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and economic outcomes stemming from these changes in agricultural methods. Although the study relies on observational data, it is poised to offer critical insights into the viability and effectiveness of such sustainable agricultural practices.
Assessing the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem Nexus in Smart Irrigation: A Potato Farming Case Study in Lebanon
This study examines the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) nexus in Lebanese agriculture, with a focus on the shift from conventional surface irrigation techniques to advanced smart irrigation systems in the Bekaa region, specifically targeting potato cultivation. The study quantitatively analyzes the interaction among water, energy, and agricultural outputs at the farm scale using the WEFE Nexus framework for scenario analysis. It evaluates variations in water productivity, environmental effects, and economic outcomes, offering a detailed view of existing practices and their sustainable improvement potential. The WEFE Nexus assessment demonstrates that smart irrigation integration significantly decreased resource usage: water consumption was reduced by 58%, diesel fuel use for irrigation dropped by 57%, and the demand for labor and fertilizers decreased by 47% and 49%, respectively. This change led to enhanced crop yields and increased resource efficiency, demonstrating the potential of smart irrigation as a transformative strategy for sustainable agriculture in Lebanon and other arid areas. Economic analysis showed that farmers could recover the costs of installing the smart irrigation system within 3 months. The findings highlight the need for further research on integrating smart irrigation with renewable energy, showing potential for sustainable agricultural development.
Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus Assessment of Agriculture Production in Egypt
The primary objective of this study is to methodically analyze the water, energy, food, and ecosystems (WEFE) nexus within Egypt’s agricultural sector, with a particular focus on sugarcane, wheat, and fruit crops. Identified as key to national interests, these crops play a vital role in ensuring Egypt’s food security and its agricultural economic development. By comparing traditional farming practices against innovative approaches that utilize drip irrigation powered by renewable solar energy, the study aims to evaluate the potential shifts in water use efficiency, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and economic outcomes stemming from these changes in agricultural methods. Although the study relies on observational data, it is poised to offer critical insights into the viability and effectiveness of such sustainable agricultural practices.
