Exploring the food-energy-water nexus in China's national industries: Insights from network structure and production disturbances

Abstract

Understanding the food-energy-water nexus (FEWN) among industries' input–output activities is vital for the management of regional strategic resources. However, identifying key nexuses and quantifying their effects within an economy-wide dimension remain a challenge. This study integrated the frameworks of social network analysis (SNA) and computable general equilibrium (CGE) methods based on input–output data, presenting a new methodology to assess inter-industrial FEWN in China. Results indicated that: (1) Agriculture and catering industries were the principal food provision industries in the national economy. They also linked production activities among the food, energy, and water (FEW) sectors. (2) Fossil energy extraction industries with high betweenness centrality were the product circulation media in the industrial network. Their increased outputs could clearly boost domestic production. For instance, the yield of most national industries was expected to expand by 0.5 %–1.5 % due to a 10 % increase in coal supply. The electricity and petroleum processing industries with the highest response coefficients were the mainstays of China's economy. They exerted wide-ranging effects on other industries through short input–output paths. (3) Water-related industries could readily use products and services from other sectors and create demand-driven effects on FEW industries. In contrast, the output scale of national industries was not sensitive to changes in water input. These findings also highlighted the importance of conducting a FEWN evaluation within a balanced macroeconomic system. The proposed SNA–CGE analytical framework showcased good applicability and accuracy in the context of China and could serve as a reference method for FEWN research in other regions.