Systematic reviews of the WEF nexus in enabling SDG success

Abstract This study assesses the fundamental importance of the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) nexus in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It set outs three objectives: (i) analyzing WEF-SDG inter-linkages, (ii) identifying synergistic SDG targets, and (iii) assessing global implementation challenges. Based on PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, 2020), a comprehensive search of Scopus and Web of Science databases (2000—2022), analyzing 601 relevant articles. The key findings identify five pivotal SDG targets for nexus-aligned progress such as policy coherence (T17.14), sustainable agriculture (T2.4), climate resilience (T13.1), water efficiency (T6.4), and gender equity (T5.1). The research underscores the need for a holistic, nexus-based approach to resource management, emphasizing the importance of transdisciplinary research and collaboration across sectors. The study concludes by proposing a novel policy framework to guide integrated WEF-SDG strategies for accelerating progress toward 2030 sustainability targets.