Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Department of Environmental science, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
2 Department of Reclamation of Arid and Mountainous Regions, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
3 Fisheries Department, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
Abstract
The growing population exerts increasing pressure on agricultural systems, water resources, and energy supplies. Effective management of these systems is essential to ensuring their sustainability. One of the key characteristics of a sustainable system is its capacity to adapt to changes. This study aims to assess the institutional adaptive capacity of the agricultural sector within the water-energy-food nexus. Institutions refer to rule-making systems, decision-making procedures, and programs that shape social movements, define the roles of individuals in these movements, and determine how they interact. In this research, the adaptive capacity wheel model was employed to evaluate institutional adaptive capacity. This model consists of six key criteria: 1) Variety, 2) Learning Capacity, 3) Room for Autonomous Change, 4) Leadership, 5) Resources, and 6) Fair Governance. To carry out the assessment, the agricultural system was first analyzed, and 27 relevant organizational stakeholders were identified. A capacity assessment questionnaire was distributed among these organizational stakeholders, and interviews were conducted to collect supplementary information. The results indicated that all aspects of institutional adaptive capacity were generally assessed negatively. This implies that there are significant gaps that need to be addressed in order to effectively cope with emerging challenges and adapt to changing conditions. The financial resources indicator, showing the highest negative value, reflects the structural weaknesses of organizations in responding to new circumstances. According to the findings, the adaptive capacity wheel score of the agricultural system within the water-energy-food nexus was rated at -0.29. This result highlights the presence of barriers that hinder the effective adaptation of the system to the challenges posed by the nexus.
Keywords
)