Economic Representation in Water–Energy–Food Nexus Models: A Systematic Review of System Dynamics Approaches
Pedro Solano-Pereira, Ana García-González, Luis Miguel
Abstract
Water, food, and energy are vital for individual well-being and national development. However, population growth and economic expansion have significantly increased the demand for these resources, while climate change has put pressure on their availability. To address these challenges, the Water–Energy–Food (WEF) Nexus framework highlights their interconnected nature, promoting systemic management approaches. System dynamics, a methodology designed to analyse complex and interrelated systems, is well-suited for modelling the WEF Nexus, capturing feedback loops and dynamic interactions. This study evaluates the use of system dynamics in WEF Nexus modelling and examines how economic systems, a key driver of resource demand, are represented in these models. A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA framework. Of 280 articles initially identified, 237 remained after removing duplicates, with 36 relevant studies analysed. The results show a dominance of water-focused and balanced WEF models but limited representation of economic systems. Among 20 studies with economic representation, 17 treated the economy as an exogenous input to estimate demand, while only 3 integrated endogenous feedback linking resource availability to economic growth. These findings reveal a significant gap in current research and underscore the need for further studies to explore the dynamic interdependence between the economy and WEF resources.