Water-saving scenarios based on input-output analysis and virtual water concept: A case in Iran

The strong desire for achieving self-sufficiency in developing and mostly water-scarce regions has endangered socioeconomic and environmental sustainability. South Khorasan is particularly exposed to such insecurities, largely due to its limited water resource endowments and its comparatively intensive agriculture. In this paper, we apply the...

Assessment of virtual water flows in Iran using a multi-regional input-output analysis

The growth of Iran's agricultural sector in the past few decades has exerted enormous pressure on its aquifers. There is a strong disparity between economic development and natural resource endowments, which threatens water and food security. In this paper, we used a multiregional input-output (MRIO) framework to assess the virtual water...

Assessment of agricultural water resources sustainability in arid regions using virtual water concept: Case of South Khorasan Province, Iran

Cropping pattern plays an important role in providing food and agricultural water resources sustainability, especially in arid regions in which the concomitant socioeconomic dangers of water shortage would be inevitable. In this research, six indices are applied to classify 37 cultivated crops according to Central Product Classification (CPC)....

Virtual water flow and water footprint assessment of an arid region: A case study of South Khorasan province, Iran

Water challenges-especially in developing countries-are set to be strained by population explosion, growing technology, climate change and a shift in consumption pattern toward more water-intensive products. In these situations, water transfer in virtual form can play an important role in alleviating the pressure exerted on the limited water...