Water-Energy-Food Nexus Tools in Theory and Practice: A Systematic Review

Sector-based resource management approaches partly contribute to the insecurities in water, energy and food sectors resources. These fail acknowledge capture interlinkages between these connected resources, a key strength water-energy-food (WEF) nexus approach. However, multi-centric, multidimensional, spatiotemporally dynamic WEF is complex uncertain, thus requiring dedicated tools that can unpack it. Various sources have blamed slow uptake practical implementation of on unavailability appropriate models. To confirm those claims with evidence, literature was searched from Scopus Web Science systematically reviewed using PRISMA protocol. It found are being developed increasingly, current cumulative number at least 46 their majority (61%) unreachable intended users. Some available code format, which undermine applicability by users without programming skills. A good (70%) lack capabilities such as geospatial features transferability spatial scale geographic scope. Only 30% applicable local scales. In contrast, some restricted scope application, for example, ANEMI 3 models large household scales, respectively. Most wide application actual case studies; this attributed not readily available. Thus, efforts should be made disseminate ensure end-users' tools. Alternatively, user-friendly on-demand requested inspired potential clients. Developers consider utility, scalability across uses when improving existing developing new so they adaptable, only new, specific location-adapted inputs data. Where it necessary dynamics nexus, information system (GIS)-enabled automatic location selection, mapping, visualization. Such GIS-enabled provide bird's eye view hotspots champions practices.