Water–energy–food nexus: a platform for implementing the Sustainable Development Goals

Stephan, Raya Marina; Mohtar, Rabi H.; Daher, Bassel; Irujo, Antonio Embid; Hillers, Astrid; Ganter, J. Carl; Karlberg, Louise; Martín, Liber; Nairizi, S.; Rodrı́guez, Diego J.; Sarni, Will

doi:10.1080/02508060.2018.1446581

Cited by 75 publications

(29 citation statements)

References 4 publications

(4 reference statements)

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“…It develops a definition for nexus research, centred around critical interlinkages between using two or more natural resources as inputs into socio-economic delivery chains. Referring to a five nodes nexus of water, energy, food, land, and materials, we also underline the relevance of scales and contexts, and the need for flexible applications 63 . Our perspective suggests new conceptual underpinnings at the interface of environmental research with human security and strategic choices to enable a new generation of pathways, planning tools, scenarios, and modelling towards delivering the SDGs.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Resource nexus perspectives towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

et al. 2018

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Debate around increasing demand for natural resources is often framed in terms of a "nexus" and perhaps at risk of becoming a buzz word. A nexus between what, at what scales, and what would be the consequences? This article analyses why readers should care about the nexus concept towards the SDGs. We discuss a five-nodes definition and propose perspectives that may lead to a reload of climate policy with buy-in from supply chain managers and resourcerich developing countries. Our research perspectives address modelling approaches and scenarios at the interface of bio-physical inputs with the human dimensions of security and governance.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Resource nexus perspectives towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

et al. 2018

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“…It draws attention to the interdependencies between the management of different resources and raises questions on the limits of singleresource governance models like Integrated Water Resource Management (Pahl-Wostl 2019). Furthermore, the nexus is increasingly seen as a useful platform to implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals linked to food, water, land, and energy (Stephan et al 2018;Pahl-Wostl 2019). Yet, there are significant analytical and operational challenges for the nexus to contribute to such ambitions.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Co-creating narratives for WEF nexus governance: a Quantitative Story-Telling case study in the Canary Islands

et al. 2021

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The literature on the water–energy–food nexus has repeatedly signaled the need for transdisciplinary approaches capable of weaving the plurality of knowledge bodies involved in the governance of different resources. To fill this gap, Quantitative Story-Telling (QST) has been proposed as a science for adaptive governance approach that aims at fostering pluralistic and reflexive research processes to overcome narrow framings of water, energy, and food policies as independent domains. Yet, there are few practical applications of QST and most run on a pan-European scale. In this paper, we apply the theory of QST through a practical case study regarding non-conventional water sources as an innovation for water and agricultural governance in the Canary Islands. We present the methods mixed to mobilize different types of knowledge and analyze interconnections between water, energy, and food supply. First, we map and interview relevant knowledge holders to elicit narratives about the current and future roles of alternative water resources in the arid Canarian context. Second, we run a quantitative diagnosis of nexus interconnections related to the use of these resources for irrigation. This analysis provides feedback to the narratives in terms of constraints and uncertainties that might hamper the expectations posed on this innovation. Thirdly, the mixed analysis is used as fuel for discussion in participatory narrative assessment workshops. Our experimental QST process succeeded in co-creating new knowledge regarding the water–energy–food nexus while addressing some relational and epistemological uncertainties in the development of alternative water resources. Yet, the extent to which mainstream socio-technical imaginaries surrounding this innovation were transformed was rather limited. We conclude that the potential of QST within sustainability place-based research resides on its capacity to: (a) bridge different sources of knowledge, including local knowledge; (b) combine both qualitative and quantitative information regarding the sustainable use of local resources, and (c) co-create narratives on desirable and viable socio-technical pathways. Open questions remain as to how to effectively mobilize radically diverse knowledge systems in complex analytical exercises where everyone feels safe to participate.

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“…When applied as a conceptual tool, the WEF nexus provides a framework for understanding the complex interrelations, synergies and trade-offs among water, energy and food [14]. The WEF nexus, when applied as an analytical tool, has evolved into a vital cog in assessing progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 2 (zero hunger), 3 (good health and wellbeing), 6 (clean water and sanitation), 7 (affordable and clean energy) and 13 (climate action) [10,15]. In the current study, we adopt the WEF nexus as an analytical tool for assessing progress towards achieving sustainable livelihoods at a local scale.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Water-Energy-Food Nexus as an Adaptation Strategy for Achieving Sustainable Livelihoods at a Local Level

et al. 2020

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The imbalance between resource availability and population increase requires transformative approaches to inform policy, decision-making and practice on coherent adaptation strategies for improved livelihoods and resilient communities. Nexus approaches are built on an understanding that natural processes do not operate in isolation within a system; hence, an emergent challenge in one unit obviously disturbs the whole system. This study applied an integrated water-energy-food (WEF) nexus analytical model to holistically assess resource availability, distribution, use and management at a local level in Sakhisizwe Local Municipality, South Africa. The aim was to inform strategies and guidelines on improving livelihoods of resource-poor rural communities. The calculated municipal composite index of 0.185, coupled with a deformed spider graph, represents a marginally sustainable resource management result. The analysis simplified the relationship between the intricately interlinked socio-ecological components and facilitated the identification of priority areas for intervention. The process provides pathways that steer resource use efficiencies and attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Unlike current linear approaches, integrated and transformative approaches like the WEF nexus provide a multidisciplinary platform for stakeholder engagement to sustainably enhance cross-sectoral coordination of resource management and harmonisation of policies and strategies. The WEF nexus approach is useful for informing decisions on improving livelihoods, enhancing resource securities, identifying priority areas for intervention and providing transformative pathways towards sustainable development.

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Water–energy–food nexus: a platform for implementing the Sustainable Development Goals

Cited by 75 publications

References 4 publications

Resource nexus perspectives towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Resource nexus perspectives towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Co-creating narratives for WEF nexus governance: a Quantitative Story-Telling case study in the Canary Islands

The Water-Energy-Food Nexus as an Adaptation Strategy for Achieving Sustainable Livelihoods at a Local Level

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