An analytical framework for state level water-energy-food nexus analysis in India: Insight from implemented policies

Abstract

Despite the importance of Water-Energy-Food (WEF) evaluations in disseminating information about WEF security challenges, no study on WEF security at a State or Union Territory (UT) level has been conducted in India. We have quantitatively analysed the WEF nexus at State/UT level in India using Pardee RAND WEF Nexus Index (PR-WEFNI) for 2015–16 and 2019–20. The Government of India has implemented several policies to ensure India's WEF security. However, none of the studies have analysed the potential impact of implemented policies in WEF nexus changes. We have proposed an indicator-based approach, i.e., a Policy Implementation Score (PIS), which indicates a policy's progress (in %). PIS is calculated by aggregating indicators related to WEF policy implementation to quantitatively investigate the impact of implemented governmental policies on WEF nexus changes. Results indicated significant variations in WEF sub-indices across States/UTs over the two years under consideration. Most States/UTs showed an increase in the Water Sub-index (WSI) and Energy Sub-index (ESI) due to higher values of Water PIS and Energy PIS but a decrease/no changes in the Food sub-index (FSI) due to lower Food PIS. Moreover, overall WSI, ESI, FSI and WEFNI of India increased by 15%, 6.6%, 0.1% and 8%, respectively, in 2019–20 compared to 2015–16. This study assessed the WEF security status of Indian States/UTs, which helped to recognise respective resource-insecure areas. This approach can help policymakers identify problems, make further modifications, and develop area-specific policies to achieve resource security across India's States/UTs and other developing economies worldwide.