ABSTRACT This article investigates water security in Nepal from the perspective of the water-energy-agriculture (food) nexus, focusing on pathways to water security that originate in actions and policies related to other sectors. It identifies promoting development of Nepal’s hydropower potential to provide energy for pumping as way to improve water security in agriculture. Renewable groundwater reserves of 1.4 billion cubic meters (BCM), from an estimated available balance of 6.9 BCM, could be pumped to irrigate 613,000 ha of rainfed agricultural land in the Terai plains, with a potential direct economic gain of USD 1.1 billion annually and associated benefits including promotion of energy-based industry, food security and local employment. Governance also plays an important role in addressing water security. We conclude that a nexus-based approach is required for effective water management and governance.

中文翻译：

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通过解开水-能源-农业关系实现尼泊尔的水安全

摘要 本文从水-能源-农业（食品）关系的角度研究尼泊尔的水安全，重点关注源于与其他部门相关的行动和政策的水安全途径。它确定促进尼泊尔水电潜力的开发以提供用于抽水的能源作为改善农业用水安全的方式。14 亿立方米 (BCM) 的可再生地下水储量（估计可用余额为 6.9 BCM）可用于灌溉 Terai 平原 613,000 公顷的雨育农田，每年潜在的直接经济收益为 11 亿美元及相关好处包括促进以能源为基础的工业、粮食安全和当地就业。治理在解决水安全问题方面也发挥着重要作用。