Chapter 18
Developing a Framework
for the Water-Energy-Food Nexus
in South Africa
T. Mabhaudhi, G. Simpson, J. Badenhorst, A. Senzanje, G. P. W. Jewitt,
V. G. P. Chimonyo, S. Mpandeli, and L. Nhamo
Abstract The water-energy-food (WEF) nexus is a cross-sectoral approach to
resource management and sustainable development. We propose a framework for
linking the WEF nexus to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing
SDG 2, 6 and 7. We further propose indices and models to evaluate WEF nexus
performance. A systematic analysis of existing WEF nexus frameworks in academic
and gray literature resulted in the development of a South African framework that
considers the three sectors as well as technological innovation, human well-being,
the SDGs, and different drivers of the WEF nexus. It is proposed that this framework
be utilized as a point of departure for future research related to the WEF nexus in
South Africa. Future research on the WEF nexus should focus on (i) developing an
integrated model and indices to assess WEF resources in South Africa and creating a
WEF nexus database; (ii) translating existing knowledge to inform policies for integrated sustainable resource management; and (iii) undertaking participatory research
T. Mabhaudhi (B) · V. G. P. Chimonyo · L. Nhamo
Centre for Transformative Agricultural and Food Systems, School of Agricultural, Earth &
Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg 3209,
Scottsville, South Africa
e-mail: mabhaudhi@ukzn.ac.za
T. Mabhaudhi · G. Simpson · G. P. W. Jewitt · L. Nhamo
Centre for Water Resources Research, School of Agricultural, Earth & Environmental Sciences,
University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg 3209, Scottsville, South Africa
G. Simpson · J. Badenhorst
Jones and Wagener Engineering and Environmental Consultants, P.O. Box 1434, Johannesburg
2128, Rivonia, South Africa
A. Senzanje
School of Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg 3209,
Scottsville, South Africa
S. Mpandeli · L. Nhamo
Water Research Commission of South Africa, Daventry Street, Lynnwood Manor 0081, Pretoria,
South Africa
L. Nhamo
International Water Management Institute, Southern Africa (IWMI-SA), 141 Cresswell Street,
Pretoria 0184, Silverton, South Africa
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
S. Diop et al. (eds.), Climate Change and Water Resources in Africa,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-61225-2_18
407
Developing a Framework
for the Water-Energy-Food Nexus
in South Africa
T. Mabhaudhi, G. Simpson, J. Badenhorst, A. Senzanje, G. P. W. Jewitt,
V. G. P. Chimonyo, S. Mpandeli, and L. Nhamo
Abstract The water-energy-food (WEF) nexus is a cross-sectoral approach to
resource management and sustainable development. We propose a framework for
linking the WEF nexus to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing
SDG 2, 6 and 7. We further propose indices and models to evaluate WEF nexus
performance. A systematic analysis of existing WEF nexus frameworks in academic
and gray literature resulted in the development of a South African framework that
considers the three sectors as well as technological innovation, human well-being,
the SDGs, and different drivers of the WEF nexus. It is proposed that this framework
be utilized as a point of departure for future research related to the WEF nexus in
South Africa. Future research on the WEF nexus should focus on (i) developing an
integrated model and indices to assess WEF resources in South Africa and creating a
WEF nexus database; (ii) translating existing knowledge to inform policies for integrated sustainable resource management; and (iii) undertaking participatory research
T. Mabhaudhi (B) · V. G. P. Chimonyo · L. Nhamo
Centre for Transformative Agricultural and Food Systems, School of Agricultural, Earth &
Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg 3209,
Scottsville, South Africa
e-mail: mabhaudhi@ukzn.ac.za
T. Mabhaudhi · G. Simpson · G. P. W. Jewitt · L. Nhamo
Centre for Water Resources Research, School of Agricultural, Earth & Environmental Sciences,
University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg 3209, Scottsville, South Africa
G. Simpson · J. Badenhorst
Jones and Wagener Engineering and Environmental Consultants, P.O. Box 1434, Johannesburg
2128, Rivonia, South Africa
A. Senzanje
School of Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg 3209,
Scottsville, South Africa
S. Mpandeli · L. Nhamo
Water Research Commission of South Africa, Daventry Street, Lynnwood Manor 0081, Pretoria,
South Africa
L. Nhamo
International Water Management Institute, Southern Africa (IWMI-SA), 141 Cresswell Street,
Pretoria 0184, Silverton, South Africa
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
S. Diop et al. (eds.), Climate Change and Water Resources in Africa,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-61225-2_18
407