Implications of the water, energy, and food security nexus on environmental sustainability and climate adaptation: a review

The water-energy-food (WEF) security nexus has gained significant recognition as a framework for addressing the interconnected challenges of resource security, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience. This review examines in detail the implications of the WEF nexus on environmental sustainability, placing emphasis on its role in guiding sustainable development pathways. The study thoroughly evaluates theoretical frameworks and models, as well as the dependencies, synergies, and trade-offs that exist in relation to WEF and its implications on the environment. By focusing on its dynamics, the review highlights how resource interactions directly influence ecological balance, efficiency in resource use, and long-term sustainability outcomes. The results highlight strong interdependencies between WEF systems, indicating the importance of the nexus as an integrative approach to align sustainability objectives with adaptation strategies in Sub-Saharan Africa. Realizing this potential requires stronger cross-sector governance mechanisms, the adoption of advanced integrated modelling tools, and the explicit inclusion of ecosystems as active stakeholders. These findings position the nexus as a transformative way of achieving climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable development in the region.