Sustainable water–energy–land–food nexus in BRICS agriculture: evaluating technological adaptation and climate-resilient practices for enhanced food security

Sarabdeen, Masahina and Afroz, Rafia and Almugren, Hawazen Zam and Muhammadu, AC Kijas and Muhibbullah, MD and Alanzi, Eman Alanzi (2026) Sustainable water–energy–land–food nexus in BRICS agriculture: evaluating technological adaptation and climate-resilient practices for enhanced food security. Humanities and social sceinces communication, 13 (1374). pp. 1-17. E-ISSN 2662-9992

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Official URL: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-026-07051-z

Abstract

Growing climatic unpredictability and resource scarcity threaten food security in rapidly developing nations. The study examines the water, energy, land, and food (WELF) nexus in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) agriculture. It investigates the dynamic effects of freshwater withdrawal (FWW), primary energy use (PEU), land use availability (LUA), and carbon emissions (CO2) on food security (FC) through a panel quantile regression method using data from 2010 to 2022. Moreover, it examines the moderation effects of digital adaptation on the relationship between FWW, PEU, LUA, and CO2 with food security among the BRICS countries. While nexus techniques are frequently investigated, their interplay with technological adoption in BRICS agriculture remains underexplored. Key results show: (1) Freshwater availability is vital for high-yield regions, while unsustainable irrigation practices threaten long-term resilience, especially where rising temperatures surpass crop tolerances and carbon emissions worsen productivity declines. (2) Fertilizer use significantly boosts output in low-productivity areas; however, its benefits diminish in advanced agricultural systems, underlining the need for precision nutrient management aligned with sustainable intensification principles. (3) Digital adaptation alters the relationships between food security and water resources management, emphasizing the necessity for integrated technology and policy solutions. The study advances WELF nexus theory by integrating Climate-Smart Agriculture, demonstrating how BRICS nations can balance trade-offs through targeted policies: climate-smart practices, and technology-integrated resource management. These findings provide actionable pathways to synchronize food production, environmental sustainability, and socioeconomic growth under CO2 conditions

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Water, energy, land, food security, BRICS
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences > Department of Economics
Depositing User:	Dr Rafia Afroz
Date Deposited:	02 Nov 2026 16:02
Last Update:	02 Nov 2026 16:05
Queue Number:	2026-10-Q5935
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/132367
Indexed In:	WOS and SCOPUS, ERA, Google Scholar

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