Issue 1, 2024

Enhancing community well-being in African drylands through technology-based solutions in the water–energy–food–ecosystems nexus

Abstract

The environmental challenges in African drylands, including water scarcity, limited energy access, and food shortages, are interconnected and have significant implications for the region's sustainability and the well-being of its communities. To address these issues, comprehensive and sustainable management plans are urgently needed. This critical review delves into the water–energy–food–ecosystem (WEFE) nexus, emphasizing the importance of integrated technologies to improve water and energy efficiency while mitigating environmental impacts. Key databases were systematically reviewed, including ScienceDirect, Scopus, and ProQuest as well as various international documents, such as those accessible in the FAO Corporate Document Repository. Our emphasis was on WEFE technologies, their applications, research outcomes, and relevance in African arid regions. The study examined recent decade initiatives to bridge the research gap, emphasizing the need to consider interrelationships and broader impacts of technical solutions in water, energy, and food sectors. This analysis brought together natural and technological advancements within the WEFE nexus, yielding valuable insights. By considering significant case studies addressing WEFE challenges, we ascertained the substantial potential of WEFE nexus technologies in mitigating African dryland challenges. Additionally, the critical factors that significantly influence the adoption of these transformative technologies are identified. The outcomes of this study underscore the importance of proactively integrating innovative WEFE technologies within the natural based solutions. Closing knowledge gaps, integrating solutions, and fostering innovation are essential steps in addressing the complex challenges these regions face. These efforts lead to enhanced water, energy, and food systems, fostering regional sustainability and resilience, ultimately securing a more promising and sustainable future for vulnerable communities.

Graphical abstract: Enhancing community well-being in African drylands through technology-based solutions in the water–energy–food–ecosystems nexus

Article information

Article type
Critical Review
Submitted
04 Jul 2023
Accepted
22 Okt 2023
First published
23 Okt 2023

Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2024,10, 85-104

Enhancing community well-being in African drylands through technology-based solutions in the water–energy–food–ecosystems nexus

M. T. Chaibi, M. Soussi and A. Karnib, Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2024, 10, 85 DOI: 10.1039/D3EW00483J

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements