Analyzing constraints in the water-energy-food nexus: The case of eucalyptus plantation in Ethiopia

The study explores complex non-linear decisions in land use allocation, focusing on the competition between cash and food crops. We develop an agent-based model to investigate whether decision opt for eucalyptus plantation is a rational choice perspective of different farmer types. analyse negative externalities (i.e. allelopathic effects) caused by presence productivity neighbouring plots possible spill-over effects. findings demonstrate that cultivation as crop may improve rural populations' well-being only if there are no physical economical constraints access services. shows characteristics strongly affect soil fertility, inhibiting possibility switch crops future. In addition, results policy scenario simulations indicate government environmental policies can play key-role improving awareness ecological effects fertility fragile socio-economic contexts characterized high vulnerability.