The 2024 CAP Award for Water Research winners have been announced, and this week we’ll be delving into the details of the first- and- second-place winners.

The award recognizes excellence in graduate or undergraduate student research addressing water issues facing the lower Colorado River Basin states (Arizona, California and Nevada).

First, we’ll look at a summary of researched produced by second-place winner, Marzieh Rezaei Ghaleh.

Second place: Integrating Stakeholder Engagement for Resource Management in the Food-Energy-Water Nexus of Phoenix AMA, Marzieh Rezaei Ghaleh, Arizona State University

Abstract by Ghaleh

This study explores the complex interplay of the Food-Energy-Water (FEW) nexus within the Phoenix Active Management Area (AMA), utilizing a series of stakeholder workshops conducted from 2017 to 2022. It employs the Engage INFEWS Conceptual Framework to guide its research methodology, emphasizing participatory stakeholder engagement to address the challenges of sustainable urban resource management. The theoretical framework, Engage INFEWS, is instrumental in this research, advocating for a comprehensive approach that integrates community and stakeholder input across all stages of the research process. This framework promotes collaborative dynamics, situational awareness, and shared ownership among diverse groups, ensuring that the strategies developed are both inclusive and grounded in empirical evidence.

Research objectives focus on evaluating and enhancing resource management strategies within the FEW nexus by assessing the effectiveness of stakeholder workshops and synthesizing insights to improve resource governance. The study aims to understand how stakeholder engagement influences decision-making processes and contributes to the development of integrated, sustainable management practices. In terms of methodology, the study employs a robust, participatory approach that combines qualitative and quantitative methods to capture a broad spectrum of insights. This involves a nonprobability sampling strategy to gather a diverse group of participants from university research centers, climate change-focused conferences, and workshops on the water-energy nexus. Data collection encompasses workshops and interviews, providing a dynamic and immersive environment for stakeholders to discuss and influence FEW nexus governance.

The Phoenix AMA serves as a critical study context, presenting unique challenges and opportunities due to its dependence on external water sources like the Colorado River and the Central Arizona Project (CAP). This urban setting, characterized by rapid population growth and significant environmental constraints, offers a pertinent example of the complexities involved in managing the FEW nexus in arid regions.

Technological advancements, economic factors, and policy dynamics are thoroughly examined through the workshops, highlighting the need for substantial investment in renewable energy, adaptive policies, and efficient agricultural practices. The study also addresses the economic implications of land use decisions and the integration of innovative technologies that impact resource efficiency. The iterative development of an integrated model facilitated by stakeholder feedback underscores the study’s commitment to creating practical, user-friendly tools that can adapt to changing conditions and incorporate diverse perspectives.

In conclusion, the research not only deepens the understanding of the FEW nexus within Phoenix AMA but also contributes to broader sustainable resource management discourse. The findings from this study are poised to influence future policy formulations, technological advancements, and resource management practices, offering valuable insights for other urban areas facing similar challenges. The Engage INFEWS Conceptual Framework has proven effective in fostering meaningful stakeholder engagement and enhancing the sustainability of resource management practices, both locally and globally.

See the full paper