| dc.description.abstract | The Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus is a critical framework for analyzing the
interdependencies between water, energy, and food systems, particularly in regions vulnerable
to climate variability. This study evaluates the key factors influencing the WEF Nexus in Nande,
Senanga, Zambia, using a mixed-methods approach that integrates both qualitative and
quantitative data. The research involved 153 household surveys using a questionnaire
containing 105 questions, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions complemented
by secondary data from meteorological and hydrological records. Key quantitative findings
indicate that only 49% of rural residents in Nande have access to basic drinking water, while
46.7% have electricity. Additionally, the 2023–2024 drought led to a 40% decline in maize
production, leaving 6 million Zambians at risk of food insecurity; this, in turn, affected the
people of Senanga. Qualitative data from stakeholder interviews highlight the increasing
reliance on traditional biomass, with 95% of rural households using firewood or charcoal,
leading to deforestation and environmental degradation. Farmers reported crop failures due to
erratic rainfall patterns, while fishermen observed declining fish stocks due to pollution and
water scarcity. The study identifies sustainable strategies to enhance resilience, including solar
powered irrigation systems, climate-resilient crops, and integrated resource management
policies. Findings underscore the urgent need for cross-sectoral collaboration and policy
interventions to ensure sustainable resource management, food security, and energy stability in
rural Zambia. | en_US |
