Towards a water–energy–food nexus policy: realizing the blue and green virtual water of agriculture in Jordan

Abstract

Virtual water is an important addendum to how we view a country's water resources. This study examines the virtual water embedded in Jordan's agricultural produce and its impact on future water–energy–food policies. Blue and green virtual waters are calculated from data on rainfall, crop patterns, yields, and water requirements at the district level. Results highlight the advantages of blue water usage in the Jordan Valley and of harnessing more available green water in the Highlands, with both displaying low energy impact. Results also emphasize the high groundwater usage and energy footprint in the Desert regions, signalling a need to rein in groundwater extraction and take advantage of solar power.

Keywords::

• virtual water
• agriculture
• water-energy-food nexus
• energy footprint
• Jordan

Acknowledgements

We thank Jordan's Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Water and Irrigation for the data that they provide and share, without which this study would not have been possible. The Ministry of Agriculture's detailed agricultural survey and the Ministry of Water and Irrigation's water budget and continued recording of water distribution numbers were immensely helpful to this project. We also express our gratitude for the work of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit within Jordan's water sector. Their analyses have been invaluable for their attention to detail not just with regard to the technical aspects of water management but also with regard to the social, economic and environmental impacts of Jordan's actions within this domain.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.