Integrating Climate, Water, Food, and Energy Systems for Sustainable Development and Health Resilience in the Congo Basin (ICWE-SD Congo)

Global environmental challenges—such as climate change, biodiversity loss, land-use change, urbanization, population growth, and resource depletion—are placing unprecedented pressure on water, energy, food (WEF), and health systems, particularly in Africa. This project aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of climate-driven dynamics within the Water-Energy-Food-Health (WEF-H) nexus in the Congo Basin and to provide scalable, context-specific solutions that enhance environmental, social, and health resilience while advancing progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The research will explore the multidimensional and interconnected feedbacks within the WEF-H nexus at governance, institutional, and community levels through an interdisciplinary framework. This approach integrates climate, hydrological, agricultural, health, and policy analyses, combining existing datasets with new primary data generated from models and community stakeholder engagement. Through this process, the project will assess the impacts of climate change on water availability, food production, energy access, and public health systems, while also identifying key governance and institutional challenges. The international project team brings together experts across the various dimensions of the WEF-H nexus and experienced community-based partners across Africa. The research will produce policy recommendations, community-driven adaptation strategies, and a transboundary resource management framework to promote long-term sustainability and resilience in the Congo Basin region.