article · Discover Sustainability
This study investigated the interdependent relationships within the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus in Cameroon, analysing factors that influence resource security and sustainability. Using national data from 2000 to 2021, a simultaneous equation model and 2SLS estimator were employed to evaluate interactions between nexus components. Findings show that urban population growth significantly increases water consumption, while industrial and economic growth raise energy consumption. An increase in energy supply per capita boosts food production. Population growth negatively impacts the water subsystem, whereas policies, institutions, and cultivated area positively affect the food subsystem. Water-use efficiency is crucial, increasing food production and reducing water consumption. A negative feedback loop was identified where increased food production depletes water resources, reducing energy and potentially further decreasing food production. The research aims to improve nexus modelling for resource optimisation.
Understanding the complex interdependencies within the water-energy-food nexus is vital for developing economies like Cameroon. This research provides data-driven insights into how various factors influence resource security and sustainability, highlighting critical areas for intervention to manage natural resources effectively and build resilience against environmental and societal pressures.
The abstract focuses on enhancing nexus modelling for resource optimisation and informing policy for sustainable development. It does not indicate specific commercial applications, products, or services. The findings are primarily for informing strategic planning, policy development, and resource management at a national or regional level, rather than suggesting near-market technologies or direct commercialisation pathways.
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Abstract Concerted efforts towards integrating water, energy, food, and ecosystem services remain critical for managing natural resources and building resilience in developing economies. This study examines the interdependent relationships between the water–energy–food (WEF) nexus, focusing on factors that interplay to drive resource security and sustainability in Cameroon. Using national-level data from 2000 to 2021, we employ the simultaneous equation model (SEM) with structural equations and use the 2SLS estimator with instrument variables (IV) to evaluate the level of interaction between the nexus components. The results indicate that urban population growth significantly increases water consumption by 13.17%. Industrial and economic growth increase energy consumption by 0.39%, while an increase in energy supply per capita raises food production by 2.81%. System analysis indicates that population growth has a holistic impact on all subsystems, with significant negative effects on the water subsystem. Policy and Institutions for sustainable development and Cultivated Area, also generated holistic effects with positive impacts on the food subsystem. Water-use efficiency also forms a key nexus point, positively increasing food production and reducing water consumption. A major feedback loop occurs where an increase in food production leads to a decrease in water resources (− 0.82%), resulting in a reduction in energy production (− 0.51%) and a potential decline in food production (− 4.51%). This study enhances nexus modeling in developing economies, allowing for resource optimization through effective cultivated area management, water-use efficiency, and institutional advancement. A paradigm change towards effective WEF nexus integration is essential for maintaining resource security and high-level human development with minimal environmental impact in developing countries.
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DOI: 10.1007/s43621-025-01671-2
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