The Evolution of the Water–Energy–Food Nexus …
43
cross-sectoral management of resources. This forms the core of the concept as it
guides the management of trade-offs and synergies in an integrated manner [56].
As already alluded to, the WEF nexus is a polycentric and transformative approach
that ensures the security of the essential resources of water, energy, and food [53].
Therefore, the WEF nexus is a three-dimensional framework that is used either as
an analytical tool, a conceptual framework, or a discourse framework [56]. Analytically, the WEF nexus is a tool that systematically applies both qualitative and quantitative methods to comprehend the intricate relationships among WEF resources;
conceptually, it outlines and unpacks the complexity in the interlinkages of the WEF
sectors and enhances sustainable development; as a discourse, it is used as a tool
for problem-solving to enhance cross-sectoral interactions [56]. Nexus planning is
also important for monitoring the performance of the WEF nexus components, as
well as the SDGs [75]. These fundamental aspects of the WEF nexus have facilitated in transforming the approach into an important framework in decision-making,
particularly in sustainability circles [36].
2 The Approach to Assess WEF Nexus Development
An impact study was conducted through a mixed research method, basing results
from data collected and archived by the WRC, as well as research outputs mainly
through publications and expert assessments. A qualitative assessment was done
through a systematic review of data on innovations related to WEF nexus that was
retrieved from the commission’s database where it is stored and verified as part of the
performance of the organisation. Innovations developed through the WRC research
projects are reported by project managers and in most cases discussed and confirmed
by the project reference group. Each project reference group is composed of field
experts. The diverse of the reference group enables a thorough evaluation of the
research results and products. Once a project is finalised, innovations are compiled
and disseminated to stakeholders for uptake through stakeholder workshops and the
WRC’s biannual symposium. The reports are freely available from the WRC website.
The expert assessment was applied to the evolution and development of the WEF
nexus in South Africa, focusing on the innovations reported by research managers
and submitted to the WRC database. We focused mainly on two years’ (2017/18 and
208/19) records, as it was a period that witnessed a surge in WEF nexus innovations
as it evolved from a theoretical framework to a practical decision support tool and
analytical model capable of enhancing synergies and minimising trade-offs between
the intricate linkages of WEF resources. A quantitative assessment was done through
a meta-analysis of published papers and reports originating from the WRC, highlighting the most outstanding innovations. While most of the data used are available
electronically, our desktop study reviewed research reports and journal publications
relating to the projects associated with the recorded innovations. The WEF nexus
is a cross-cutting subject and thus is associated with work done in most KSAs and
Lighthouses. The innovation report describes the innovation created, the title and
43
cross-sectoral management of resources. This forms the core of the concept as it
guides the management of trade-offs and synergies in an integrated manner [56].
As already alluded to, the WEF nexus is a polycentric and transformative approach
that ensures the security of the essential resources of water, energy, and food [53].
Therefore, the WEF nexus is a three-dimensional framework that is used either as
an analytical tool, a conceptual framework, or a discourse framework [56]. Analytically, the WEF nexus is a tool that systematically applies both qualitative and quantitative methods to comprehend the intricate relationships among WEF resources;
conceptually, it outlines and unpacks the complexity in the interlinkages of the WEF
sectors and enhances sustainable development; as a discourse, it is used as a tool
for problem-solving to enhance cross-sectoral interactions [56]. Nexus planning is
also important for monitoring the performance of the WEF nexus components, as
well as the SDGs [75]. These fundamental aspects of the WEF nexus have facilitated in transforming the approach into an important framework in decision-making,
particularly in sustainability circles [36].
2 The Approach to Assess WEF Nexus Development
An impact study was conducted through a mixed research method, basing results
from data collected and archived by the WRC, as well as research outputs mainly
through publications and expert assessments. A qualitative assessment was done
through a systematic review of data on innovations related to WEF nexus that was
retrieved from the commission’s database where it is stored and verified as part of the
performance of the organisation. Innovations developed through the WRC research
projects are reported by project managers and in most cases discussed and confirmed
by the project reference group. Each project reference group is composed of field
experts. The diverse of the reference group enables a thorough evaluation of the
research results and products. Once a project is finalised, innovations are compiled
and disseminated to stakeholders for uptake through stakeholder workshops and the
WRC’s biannual symposium. The reports are freely available from the WRC website.
The expert assessment was applied to the evolution and development of the WEF
nexus in South Africa, focusing on the innovations reported by research managers
and submitted to the WRC database. We focused mainly on two years’ (2017/18 and
208/19) records, as it was a period that witnessed a surge in WEF nexus innovations
as it evolved from a theoretical framework to a practical decision support tool and
analytical model capable of enhancing synergies and minimising trade-offs between
the intricate linkages of WEF resources. A quantitative assessment was done through
a meta-analysis of published papers and reports originating from the WRC, highlighting the most outstanding innovations. While most of the data used are available
electronically, our desktop study reviewed research reports and journal publications
relating to the projects associated with the recorded innovations. The WEF nexus
is a cross-cutting subject and thus is associated with work done in most KSAs and
Lighthouses. The innovation report describes the innovation created, the title and