Determining the environmental impacts of water, energy, and food insecurities in Harare: addressing challenges through transitioning to renewable energy

Abstract

Water, energy, and food (WEF) are intricately linked, and so are their challenges. Adaptation practices used in response to challenges faced in the three resources can damage the environment. Over-exploitation of WEF in urban areas can lead to deforestation, depletion of underground water, and water/air pollution. The burning of fossil fuels for energy can increase greenhouse gas emissions resulting in global warming which can lead to drought affecting agricultural production. Renewable energy technologies can address some trade-offs in the WEF nexus and create synergies for a liveable planet. The study determines the environmental impacts of WEF nexus insecurities to propose renewable energy options for addressing the nexus challenges. Data was collected from a sample of 314 urban households in Harare. The researcher employed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test the relationship between WEF challenges and EFP (ecological footprint) in the context of climate change and rapid urban growth in Harare. Findings show that energy has a strong influence on the nexus. Energy challenges increase ecological footprints due to the environmentally unfriendly adaptation measures used by households (path coefficient = 0.353; C.R = 4.994; p < 0.05). Policymakers and environmentalists must find solutions that holistically address the nexus challenges for sustainability. In addition, it is imperative to carefully consider energy and boost investments in renewable energy. Transitioning to renewable energy has great potential to address WEF nexus challenges.