Utilizing Network Analysis to Evaluate the Water-Energy-Food Governance System in the Context of the Seventh Development Plan

Zarrintab, Mohammad; Pourebrahim, Sharareh; Moinaddini, Mazaher

doi:10.22059/jrwm.2024.369079.1737

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Department of Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

10.22059/jrwm.2024.369079.1737

Abstract

In light of the close interrelation of water, energy, and food resources, the water-energy-food nexus will establish a robust framework for sustainable management. This study examines the legal framework of the country's proposed seventh development plan, employing a thorough analysis of the water-energy-food governance system. The findings highlight crucial aspects in the plan's execution. For this investigation, we identified 34 obligated entities and 54 legal responsibilities outlined in the seventh development plan of the country. Network collaboration analysis was performed using Ucinet and Netdraw software. The results revealed that the highest levels of degree centrality (0.60), betweenness centrality (0.33), and closeness centrality (0.159) belong to the Ministry of Agriculture. The density of the network was about 13%, which shows that the cooperation network in the seventh development plan is completely separated. The average geodesic distance was 2.079, so strengthening cooperation in the network is needed, despite the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Energy having the highest power, there was a significant distance between them, with the Department of Environmental situated between these two entities. The Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Energy, the Administrative and Recruitment Organization, and the private sector were pivotal points in the collaboration network. In the governance structure of power distribution, the Ministry of Agriculture held the highest power. The results demonstrated that in the governance structure, little attention was paid to the water-energy-food nexus. Therefore, in line with sustainable management policies, the government's power and the Department of Environment's position should be strengthened.

Keywords

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Utilizing Network Analysis to Evaluate the Water-Energy-Food Governance System in the Context of the Seventh Development Plan

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Volume 77, Issue 2September 2024Pages 191-207

Volume 77, Issue 2
September 2024
Pages 191-207