Sustainable Land Management by Agrivoltaics in Colombia’s Post-Conflict Regions: An Integrated Approach from the Water–Energy–Food Nexus
2025
Sebastian Caceres-Garcia | Pablo Rodriguez-Casas | Javier Rosero-Garcia
Agrivoltaic (AV) systems are increasingly recognized as a strategy to enhance sustainable land management, yet their application in post-conflict settings remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by evaluating AV deployment in two Colombian municipalities located in PDET/ZOMAC regions, using an integrated framework that expands the conventional Water&ndash:Energy&ndash:Food (WEF) nexus into the Water&ndash:Energy&ndash:Food&ndash:Soil&ndash:Climate&ndash:Communities (WEFSCC) nexus. The research combined GIS-based site characterization, crop yield and water balance modeling (contrasting traditional irrigation with hydroponics), and photovoltaic performance simulations for 30 kW systems, under conservative and moderate scenarios. Economic analyses included Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Free Cash Flow (FCL), with sensitivity tests for crop prices, yields, tariffs, and costs. Results indicate that AV can reduce crop irrigation demand by up to 40%, while generating 17 MWh/month of electricity per site. Cabrera exhibited higher profitability than Pisba, explained by yield differences and site-specific energy outputs. Comparative analysis confirmed consistency with experiences in Africa and Europe, while emphasizing local socio-environmental benefits. Conclusions highlight AV systems as resilient tools for sustainable land management in Colombia&rsquo:s post-conflict regions, with actionable implications for land-use regulation, fiscal incentives, and international cooperation programs targeting rural development.
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