The Role of Water User Associations in Improving the Water for Energy Nexus

The current study highlights the role of Water User Associations (WUAs) as a suitable mean to balance and mitigate the agriculture-energy nexus. Strengthening the management capacities of WUAs can enhance water and energy saving practices. This report also argues that energy savings can be multiplied by exporting electricity to neighboring countries. Tajikistan recently signed electricity trade agreements with Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan to export large amounts of surplus hydropower in the summer at competitive prices. WUAs can take energy efficient measures to save energy, which could be exported to other countries at high prices and offer substantial income. These revenues can be further invested in the agricultural sector by offering financing for infrastructure rehabilitation. Thus, increasing electricity exports could further increase energy efficiency in agriculture and minimize national food shortages.