Achieving water security in Nepal through unravelling the water-energy-agriculture nexus

S. Nepal, N. Neupane, D. Belbase, Vishnu Prasad Pandey and Aditi Mukherji

Papers published in Journals (Open Access), 2021, 37(1):67-93.

Abstract: This article investigates water security in Nepal from the perspective of the water-energy-agriculture (food) nexus, focusing on pathways to water security that originate in actions and policies related to other sectors. It identifies promoting development of Nepal’s hydropower potential to provide energy for pumping as way to improve water security in agriculture. Renewable groundwater reserves of 1.4 billion cubic meters (BCM), from an estimated available balance of 6.9 BCM, could be pumped to irrigate 613,000 ha of rainfed agricultural land in the Terai plains, with a potential direct economic gain of USD 1.1 billion annually and associated benefits including promotion of energy-based industry, food security and local employment. Governance also plays an important role in addressing water security. We conclude that a nexus-based approach is required for effective water management and governance.

Keywords: Water security; Energy sources; Food security; Nexus; Water availability; Surface water; Groundwater; Integrated management; Water resources; Water management; Water governance; Agricultural water use; Industrial uses; Domestic water; Hydropower; Water supply; Irrigation systems; Climate change; Environmental sustainability; Irrigated land; Urban areas; Rural areas; Population growth (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:iwt:jounls:h049496

DOI: 10.1080/07900627.2019.1694867

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