The water, energy and food (WEF) nexus means that the security of supply in these three critical resources tends to be intricately linked. The actions in one area tend to have impacts in one or both of the other two areas. The United Nation’s (UN)-Water* mentions that the WEF nexus is central to sustainable development.

In South Africa, lack of a clear, elevated plan to manage the WEF nexus and to inform decision-making processes in support of the National Development Plan (NDP) as a guide to national development could be a challenge. In light of the recent severe droughts in South Africa, a national dialogue by the relevant experts, affected communities and government departments is essential.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) says:

“Decision makers need improved tools in order to be better informed about trade-offs and synergies between different development and management choices, and to help them identify options on how to sustainably manage resources