Review of water–energy–food nexus applications in the Global South

The study reviewed the applications of the water–energy–food (WEF) nexus for knowledge generation and decision-making in the Global South. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol identified 336 studies from the Web of Science and Scopus datasets. One hundred e...

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Main Authors: Mabhaudhi, T., Chibarabada, T. P., Taguta, C., Dirwai, Tinashe Lindel, Ndeketeya, A.
Format: Journal Article
Language:Inglés
Published: Cambridge University Press 2024
Subjects:
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/10568/158329
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author Mabhaudhi, T.
Chibarabada, T. P.
Taguta, C.
Dirwai, Tinashe Lindel
Ndeketeya, A.
author_browse Chibarabada, T. P.
Dirwai, Tinashe Lindel
Mabhaudhi, T.
Ndeketeya, A.
Taguta, C.
author_facet Mabhaudhi, T.
Chibarabada, T. P.
Taguta, C.
Dirwai, Tinashe Lindel
Ndeketeya, A.
author_sort Mabhaudhi, T.
collection Repository of Agricultural Research Outputs (CGSpace)
description The study reviewed the applications of the water–energy–food (WEF) nexus for knowledge generation and decision-making in the Global South. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol identified 336 studies from the Web of Science and Scopus datasets. One hundred eighty-five articles applied WEF nexus tools to improve the understanding of WEF nexus interactions and to show the potential of nexus applications. The other articles (151) focused on nexus applications to guide planning and decision support for resource allocation and policy formulation. Environment, climate, ecosystems, land, and socioeconomics were other popular nexus dimensions, while waste and economy were considered to a lesser extent. Limitations associated with nexus applications included unavailability of data, uncertainties from data sources, scale mismatch and bias. The inability of nexus tools to capture the complex realities of WEF interactions is hindering adoption, especially for policy formulations and investment planning. Data limitations could be solved using a sound scientific basis to correct uncertainties and substitute unavailable data. Data gaps can be bridged by engaging stakeholders, who can provide local and indigenous knowledge. Despite the limitations, applying nexus tools could be useful in guiding resource management. Limitations associated with nexus applications included – investment planning. Plausible pathways for operationalising the WEF nexus are discussed.
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spelling CGSpace1583292025-12-08T10:11:39Z Review of water–energy–food nexus applications in the Global South Mabhaudhi, T. Chibarabada, T. P. Taguta, C. Dirwai, Tinashe Lindel Ndeketeya, A. water resources energy food security nexus approaches decision making decision support planning policies The study reviewed the applications of the water–energy–food (WEF) nexus for knowledge generation and decision-making in the Global South. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol identified 336 studies from the Web of Science and Scopus datasets. One hundred eighty-five articles applied WEF nexus tools to improve the understanding of WEF nexus interactions and to show the potential of nexus applications. The other articles (151) focused on nexus applications to guide planning and decision support for resource allocation and policy formulation. Environment, climate, ecosystems, land, and socioeconomics were other popular nexus dimensions, while waste and economy were considered to a lesser extent. Limitations associated with nexus applications included unavailability of data, uncertainties from data sources, scale mismatch and bias. The inability of nexus tools to capture the complex realities of WEF interactions is hindering adoption, especially for policy formulations and investment planning. Data limitations could be solved using a sound scientific basis to correct uncertainties and substitute unavailable data. Data gaps can be bridged by engaging stakeholders, who can provide local and indigenous knowledge. Despite the limitations, applying nexus tools could be useful in guiding resource management. Limitations associated with nexus applications included – investment planning. Plausible pathways for operationalising the WEF nexus are discussed. 2024 2024-10-31T12:18:37Z 2024-10-31T12:18:37Z Journal Article https://hdl.handle.net/10568/158329 en Open Access Cambridge University Press Mabhaudhi, T.; Chibarabada, T. P.; Taguta, C.; Dirwai, Tinashe Lindel; Ndeketeya, A. 2024. Review of water–energy–food nexus applications in the Global South. Cambridge Prisms: Water, 2:e9. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1017/wat.2024.8]
spellingShingle water resources
energy
food security
nexus approaches
decision making
decision support
planning
policies
Mabhaudhi, T.
Chibarabada, T. P.
Taguta, C.
Dirwai, Tinashe Lindel
Ndeketeya, A.
Review of water–energy–food nexus applications in the Global South
title Review of water–energy–food nexus applications in the Global South
title_full Review of water–energy–food nexus applications in the Global South
title_fullStr Review of water–energy–food nexus applications in the Global South
title_full_unstemmed Review of water–energy–food nexus applications in the Global South
title_short Review of water–energy–food nexus applications in the Global South
title_sort review of water energy food nexus applications in the global south
topic water resources
energy
food security
nexus approaches
decision making
decision support
planning
policies
url https://hdl.handle.net/10568/158329
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