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The Water–Energy–Food Nexus: An Analysis of Food Sustainability in Ecuador

Author

Listed:
  • Carlos Francisco Terneus Páez

    (Department of Energy and Mechanics, Universidad de Las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, s/n Av. General Ruminahui, Sangolquí 171103, Ecuador
    Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Escuela Politécnica Nacional, E11-253 Av. Ladrón de Guevara, Quito 170525, Ecuador)

  • Oswaldo Viteri Salazar

    (Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Escuela Politécnica Nacional, E11-253 Av. Ladrón de Guevara, Quito 170525, Ecuador)

Abstract

In Latin America and the Caribbean, the interrelationships among water, energy, and food are complex, partly due to their development models, which are intensive in their use of these resources. This research aims to recognize and quantify the use of water and energy in food in Ecuador by identifying the main interrelationships, together with their causes and current impacts. Regarding methodology, this research uses sectoral data available at the national level and international databases to obtain cross indexes. The following indicators were sought: percentage of energy demanded by food in different stages, extraction of water for agricultural use, food energy productivity, virtual water, and embodied energy. As a result, it was estimated that food consumes 50% of imported energy and cocoa stands out with 7.6 km 3 of water footprint; the products with the highest energy consumption are shrimp with 2090 KBOE and fish with 1459 KBOE. Fishing and aquaculture products present with a significantly high consumption level. Nearly all the virtual water and embodied energy are exported in banana, cocoa, and shrimp. Exporting groups make extensive use of the country’s water and energy resources.

Suggested Citation

  • Carlos Francisco Terneus Páez & Oswaldo Viteri Salazar, 2022. "The Water–Energy–Food Nexus: An Analysis of Food Sustainability in Ecuador," Resources, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-21, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:11:y:2022:i:10:p:90-:d:930434
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    References listed on IDEAS

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