A Review of the Water–Energy–Food Nexus Research in Africa

Notwithstanding the dispersed nature of water, energy and food (WEF) nexus scholarship in African continent, its strategic importance to agenda has gained widespread attention research planning circles. In this regard, bibliometric science mapping content analysis WEF scientific publication trends, conceptual, intellectual social structures, as well inherent paradigmatic shifts body knowledge continent have been undertaken, using literature accessed from Web Science Scopus core collection databases. The review results confirmed that, whilst expanded since 2013, there is also evidence growth structures continent. These resulted emergence hot topics (subfields) including modelling optimization, climate variability change, environmental ecosystem services sustainability, sustainable development livelihoods. further determined that these evolved along two main perspectives development, i.e., interdisciplinary transdisciplinary domains. support interpretation visual analytics structure changing patterns research, positivist, interpretivist pragmatic (these are underpinned by ontology, epistemology, methodology methods) considered when explaining shifts: (a) From unconnected silo paradigms focus on (security concerns) interconnected (and sometimes interdependent or nested) linkages systems incorporating environmental, social-economic political drivers (also viewed subfields) a bid holistically Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across continent; (b) evaluation based novel analytical approaches. We contend theories change underpin apparent expansion, macro-economic theory will find use how negotiated Integrative Environmental Governance (IEG) duly suited governance bridge disconnect between output processes uncovered literature. Overall, operational challenges opportunities abound, transitioning practice Africa, motivating need take advantage scholar–practitioner underpinnings, contemplated approach, which characterised dual quest for new considerations use. Yet, more coordinated collaborative achieve impact transition thinking practice.