Despite progress in the conceptual and analytical understating of the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus, practical/application gaps exist, demonstrating its practical application and case studies. In this Science Talk, Prof. Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi, Lead, Water, Energy, Food and Environment (WEFE) Nexus at UNU-INWEH, presents a people-centred and data-informed methodological framework and guidelines for co-developing integrated water–energy–food plus (WEF+) nexus scenarios.
Prof. Mabhaudhi draws on existing evidence to co-develop a generic, adaptable framework that bridges theory and implementation through inclusive, transdisciplinary engagement. The talk will explore the key components of WEF+ nexus scenario planning, including drivers of change, scenario development, pathways, geographic and temporal scale, and the use of analytical tools. The framework emphasizes (i) replicability and scalability, (ii) stakeholder engagement, (iii) multi-scalar relevance, (iv) integration of the latest Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (CMIP6 SSPX-Y), and (v) alignment with Representative Agricultural Pathways (RAPs). Validation through expert and stakeholder feedback demonstrates the framework’s reliability and robustness.
Prof. Mabhaudhi will conclude by emphasizing the importance of co-identification, co-development, co-implementation, and co-evaluation of WEF+ scenarios to support meaningful translation from theory to policy and practice. The talk will offer concrete recommendations for applying this framework to support people-centred, integrated WEF+ systems planning.
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Speaker
Prof. Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi
Lead, Water, Energy, Food and Environment (WEFE) Nexus
