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Abstract
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The Water-Energy-Food Nexus provides a critical framework for optimizing the sustainable use of essential resources in agricultural societies. While numerous tools have been developed to study the Nexus, significant knowledge gaps remain, particularly concerning the validity of indicators that capture the complex interactions among its components. This research seeks to address these gaps by validating key indicators across three critical dimensions: (1) the economic, social, and environmental contexts, along with demographic characteristics that influence the Nexus; (2) climatic parameters that impact the Nexus; and (3) the implications of the Nexus for the development of agricultural societies. To achieve an integrated perspective, this study focuses on identifying and validating the most relevant indicators for assessing trade-offs and synergies among internal and external factors influencing resource management. A sequential mixed-method approach was employed, combining content analysis with survey techniques. The validity and suitability of key components were assessed using the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Content Validity Index (CVI). The results culminated in the development of a comprehensive questionnaire comprising 69 validated components across these diverse contexts. The findings reveal that the highest-ranked components include educational infrastructure, access to funding and credit platforms, environmentally sustainable agricultural systems, the impacts of climate change, and the active participation of key stakeholders. Expert panel assessments particularly highlighted the crucial role of economic and climatic factors, emphasizing their significant influence on the sustainability and balanced development of agricultural communities. These results stress the need for integrated development strategies that incorporate the Nexus framework, addressing gaps in indicator validity while promoting sustainable resource management. The study concludes wit
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