The added value of a water footprint approach: Micro- and macroeconomic analysis of cotton production, processing and export in water bound Uzbekistan

摘要: Abstract Since independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991, Uzbekistan is challenged to consolidate its efforts and identify introduce suitable agricultural policies ease threat of advancing land, water ecosystem deterioration. On one hand, irrigated cotton production provides income, food energy sources for a large part rural households, which accounts about 70% total population. other this sector considered major driver on-going environmental degradation. Due dual nature, an integrated approach needed that allows analyses at different stages and, consequently, deriving comprehensive options action. The findings economic based value chain analysis ecologically-oriented footprint on regional level were complemented with input–output model national level. This combination gave added better-informed decision-making reach sustainability, compared individual results each approach. synergy approaches pointed various actions, such as (i) promote shift use high consuming less processing sector, (ii) increase overall efficiency by expanding highly productive industrial sectors concurrently decreasing inefficient use, (iii) reduce improving irrigation conveyance efficiencies. showed increasing efficiency, manufacturing products higher raising users' awareness real are essential providing security Uzbekistan.