Adaptive Responses to Water, Energy, and Food Challenges and Implications on the Environment: An Exploratory Study of Harare

Abstract

Urban water, energy, and food (WEF) challenges are among the main barriers to poverty reduction and are some of the central targets of sustainable development goals (SDGs). SDGs seek to improve livelihoods in a sustainable manner through adequate and equitable distribution of the resources. In southern Africa, the scarcity of the resources has escalated due to increased pressure from urbanisation and climate change. This paper focuses on problems of the adaptive strategies that the communities are using in response to WEF challenges as well as the environmental implication of these choices. This article is based on qualitative research methods constituting interview guides administered to 6 city council officials, 2 NGO representatives, 35 households, and 1 Harare residents’ association. Observations were undertaken, and review of secondary data was also done to collect information. Data were collated into a narrative, which was then exposed to qualitative content analysis. Findings reveal the use of underground water in both low- and high-income areas. Firewood and charcoal are preferred for cooking in the low-income suburbs, with gas dominating in the high-income areas. Mobile tuckshops, extensive backyard farming, and open-space agriculture were the prevalent sources of food. Inaccessibility and lack of affordability are some of the identified WEF challenges. Overdependence on underground water lowers the water table, increasing the ecological footprint. Uncontrolled urban agriculture exposes available water sources to pollution.

Spatiotemporal Evolution Characteristics and Driving Factors of Water-Energy-Food-Carbon System Vulnerability: A Case Study of the Yellow River Basin, China

“…Additionally, Uddin et al employ a system dynamics model, incorporating water, energy, and food linkages with carbon emissions and economic growth to address circular economy issues arising from resource overexploitation [36]. Gandidzanwa et al investigate adaptive strategies for urban communities in different income regions facing challenges related to water, energy, and food, aiming to achieve a fair distribution of resources to alleviate poverty sustainably [37]. Papadopoulou et al utilize a water-energy-land-food-climate nexus approach, considering 17 SDGs prerequisites to formulating comprehensive policies for sustainable and efficient resource utilization in Greece [38].…”