Water–Energy–Food Nexus Approaches to Climate Change Adaptation in Sub-Saharan Africa: Mapping Evidence from Integrated Resource Management Practices

Climate change poses significant threats to water availability, energy security, and food production in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), undermining sustainable development and increasing the vulnerability of communities that are dependent on climate-sensitive resources. In response, the Water–Energy–Food (WEF) nexus has emerged as an integrated framework for addressing the interdependencies among these critical sectors while enhancing climate resilience. This study mapped and synthesized existing evidence on WEF nexus approaches to climate change adaptation in SSA through a scoping review. Guided by the Arksey and O’Malley framework and reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, the review involved a systematic search of Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Wiley Online Library, Google Scholar, and relevant grey literature sources. The findings revealed a growing body of research on WEF nexus-based adaptation, with studies predominantly concentrated in Southern Africa, particularly South Africa. Major integrated resource management approaches identified include climate-smart agriculture, integrated water-resources management, renewable energy integration, nexus-based planning, governance and policy integration, and community-based adaptation. Reported outcomes include enhanced climate resilience; improved water, energy, and food security; strengthened livelihoods; increased resource-use efficiency; and improved institutional coordination. However, implementation remains constrained by fragmented governance systems, limited financing, inadequate data, technical capacity deficits, and weak stakeholder engagement. Key enabling factors include policy coherence, institutional collaboration, technological innovation, climate finance, and capacity-building. The review concludes that the WEF nexus provides a valuable framework for advancing climate adaptation and sustainable resource management in SSA.