Explaining the Efficiency of the Water, Energy, and Food Nexus in Rice Farms of Sari County

Objective: This study aimed to develop a model to improve the efficiency of the waterenergy-food (WEF) nexus in rice farming in Sari County.Methods: The research was conducted using a quantitative, survey-based approach and falls under the category of applied studies.The statistical population consisted of 25,590 rice farmers in Sari County, with a sample size of 170 farmers, determined using G-Power software.A multi-stage stratified sampling method with proportional allocation was employed.Data collection was conducted through a researcher-made questionnaire, whose face and content validity were confirmed by experts.The reliability of the research tool was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient.Data analysis was performed using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to evaluate the efficiency of the WEF nexus. Results:The findings indicate that the efficiency index of the WEF nexus among the studied rice farms was 0.198, reflecting very poor efficiency in rice production.Specific observations include: 70% of the studied units exhibited unsatisfactory nexus efficiency; Larger-scale farms demonstrated higher nexus efficiency, while smaller farms exhibited lower efficiency levels; There was a positive correlation between the nexus efficiency index and farm size, suggesting that economies of scale positively influence efficiency. Conclusion:The study highlights significant inefficiencies in the WEF nexus within rice farming in Mazandaran Province, specifically regarding water and energy consumption.Key conclusions include: The amount of rice produced relative to water and energy consumption is low, indicating substantial resource wastage; Optimization of water and energy use is critical to enhancing nexus efficiency without compromising crop production or food security; Tailored strategies are required to address regional differences and align cropping patterns with local climatic and weather conditions.To improve WEF nexus efficiency, the following recommendations are proposed:1. Agricultural Zoning: Implement zoning strategies based on regional climate and conditions to optimize cropping patterns.2. Extension-Education Programs: Develop training initiatives for farmers, focusing on efficient farm management practices.3. Demonstration Farms: Promote exemplary farms as models for best practices through demonstration sites, model farms, and farmer field schools.These measures aim to reduce resource wastage and improve sustainability in rice production while ensuring food security in the region.