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Exploring the Integration of the Land, Water, and Energy Nexus in Sustainable Food Systems Research through a Socio-Economic Lens: A Systematic Literature Review

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  • Matilda Azong Cho

    (The Africa Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Food Systems, Future Africa Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
    Center for Environmental Studies (CFES), Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa)

  • Abel Ramoelo

    (Center for Environmental Studies (CFES), Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa)

  • Lindiwe M. Sibanda

    (Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (NAS), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa)

Abstract

The efficient use of land, water, and energy resources in Africa is crucial for achieving sustainable food systems (SFSs). A SFS refers to all the related activities and processes from farm to fork and the range of actors contributing to the availability of food at all times. This study aimed to analyse the growth in the land–water–energy (LWE) nexus integration in sustainable food system research. The focus was on publication growth, the thematic areas covered, and how the research addressed the policies, programmes, and practices using a socio-economic lens. The study utilised a systematic literature review approach, following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The study underscored the limited emphasis on the socio-economic perspective in the examination of the LWE nexus within sustainable food system research in Africa. Policies, governance, institutional influences, and social inclusion are crucial for addressing the region-specific challenges and achieving sustainable outcomes, but they seemed to be underrepresented in current research efforts. More so, this review revealed a paucity of research on key influencing factors like gender, conflict, culture, and socio-political dynamics. Ignoring these social factors might contribute to an inadequate management of natural resources, perpetuating issues related to food security and equity in resource use and decision-making. Additionally, the dominance of non-African institutions in knowledge production found in this review highlighted a potential gap in locally owned solutions and perspectives, which are crucial for effective policy development and implementation, often leading to failures in addressing region-specific challenges and achieving sustainable outcomes. Overall, the study highlighted the need for a more holistic approach that not only considers the technical aspects of the LWE nexus but also the social, cultural, and institutional dimensions. Additionally, fostering collaboration with local institutions and ensuring a diverse range of influencing factors can contribute to more comprehensive and contextually appropriate solutions for achieving sustainable food systems in Africa.

Suggested Citation

  • Matilda Azong Cho & Abel Ramoelo & Lindiwe M. Sibanda, 2023. "Exploring the Integration of the Land, Water, and Energy Nexus in Sustainable Food Systems Research through a Socio-Economic Lens: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(23), pages 1-21, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:23:p:16528-:d:1293545
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sylvester Mpandeli & Dhesigen Naidoo & Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi & Charles Nhemachena & Luxon Nhamo & Stanley Liphadzi & Sithabile Hlahla & Albert T. Modi, 2018. "Climate Change Adaptation through the Water-Energy-Food Nexus in Southern Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-19, October.
    2. Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi & Tendai Chibarabada & Albert Modi, 2016. "Water-Food-Nutrition-Health Nexus: Linking Water to Improving Food, Nutrition and Health in Sub-Saharan Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-19, January.
    3. Burke, Paul J. & Widnyana, Jinnie & Anjum, Zeba & Aisbett, Emma & Resosudarmo, Budy & Baldwin, Kenneth G.H., 2019. "Overcoming barriers to solar and wind energy adoption in two Asian giants: India and Indonesia," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 1216-1228.
    4. Mabhaudhi, T. & Nhamo, Luxon & Mpandeli, S. & Nhemachena, Charles & Senzanje, A. & Sobratee, N. & Chivenge, P. P. & Slotow, R. & Naidoo, D. & Liphadzi, S. & Modi, A. T., 2019. "The water–energy–food nexus as a tool to transform rural livelihoods and well-being in southern Africa," Papers published in Journals (Open Access), International Water Management Institute, pages 16(16):1-20.
    5. Kurian, Mathew, 2017. "The water-energy-food nexus," Environmental Science & Policy, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 97-106.
    6. Tanita Northcott & Mark Lawrence & Christine Parker & Phillip Baker, 2023. "Ecological regulation for healthy and sustainable food systems: responding to the global rise of ultra-processed foods," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 40(3), pages 1333-1358, September.
    7. Mpandeli, S. & Naidoo, D. & Mabhaudhi, T. & Nhemachena, Charles & Nhamo, Luxon & Liphadzi, S. & Hlahla, S. & Modi, A. T., "undated". "Climate change adaptation through the water-energy-food nexus in southern Africa," Papers published in Journals (Open Access) H048960, International Water Management Institute.
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