A Review on Food Subsystem Simulation Models for The Water-Food-Energy: Development Perspective

Abstract The interactions and trade-offs between Water, Food, and Energy (WFE) have recently attracted the attention of researchers worldwide. A new approach called nexus has been used to examine these interactions in an integrated way. A significant obstacle to adopting the WFE nexus is the lack of a comprehensive and easy-to-use simulation model. By reviewing the articles in Scopus and Google Scholar databases, WFE nexus studies can be divided into two categories: simulation-based and conceptual-based studies of WFE nexus. Based on developmental perspective on food subsystem modeling in WFE nexus, the conceptual studies excluded and the modeling studies reviewed. Two points of view can be used for WFE nexus modeling: 1. Hard-link modeling and 2. Soft-link modeling. Comparing these two types of modeling showed that Hard link modeling cannot model the interrelations of the food subsystem and this shortcoming is of great importance. Agriculture is the primary source of food supply because livestock and poultry products are also indirectly dependent on agricultural products. This study reviewed the crop growth models (CGMs) used in the WFE nexus system from the development perspective. The technical characteristics of the CGMs have been evaluated according to the requirements of the CGMs. Finally, a checklist based on the criteria defined for the nexus system has been provided, which can guide researchers in choosing the appropriate simulation model for the food subsystem with the nexus approach. Also, future research suggestions were recommended to develop a food subsystem simulation model based on nexus system approach criteria.