This book introduces a comprehensive and sustainable project delivery framework tailored for managing the Water, Energy and Food (WEF) nexus in developing economies. Its primary objectives include establishing the determinants of the nexus, exploring the sustainability dynamics of the resources, delineating the role of digital technologies in WEF nexus projects, evaluating the interoperation of the three resources with sustainable development goals (SDGs) and subsequently formulating a sustainable project delivery framework. Timely in its release, the book provides essential policy directions and technological perspectives within the realms of sustainability.

Water, energy, and food (WEF) resources constitute vital components pivotal for a nation's socio-economic development and fundamental for human survival due to their intricate interdependencies. Recognizing their paramount importance, the World Economic Forum underscores their role in a country's growth trajectory. However, the sustainable management of WEF resources in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution necessitates an integrative framework for project delivery.

Unfortunately, a significant gap exists in understanding the determinants of the nexus between water, energy, and food resources, resulting in insecurity in their management. Compounding this challenge, the emergence of new technologies in the fourth industrial revolution has not received adequate consideration for ensuring resource security.

The book adopts a meticulous approach, conducting an in-depth review of existing models, frameworks, and theories. Furthermore, it supplements this analysis with an insightful interview case study. Notably, this pioneering work distinguishes itself as the first to view WEF resources as interconnected nexus projects, with a keen acknowledgment of the indispensable role played by digital technology. Moreover, its targeted focus on addressing the unique challenges prevalent in developing economies adds a layer of specificity often absent in existing literature on the WEF nexus. Researchers seeking a deeper understanding of the integration between the WEF nexus and digital technologies will find substantial value in the contents of this book.

The book is divided into five sections, providing a systematic exploration of the subject. The sections cover background information on WEF resources and its nexus, underpinning theories of resource interaction, theoretical frameworks relevant to the nexus, the role of digital technologies in managing the WEF nexus, interoperation of sustainability and SDG with the nexus, presentation of an in-depth case study and conclude with valuable insights and recommendations.

Autorentext

Dr. Love Opeyemi David is Interdisciplinary Social Scientist and Proficient in project management, resource management, management science, digital transformation, and innovation management. He bagged First-Class Honors in his Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Project Management Technology and earned a Master of Technology (M.Tech.) with distinction in Project Management Technology from the prestigious Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. His academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. degree from the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. Dr. David Love has showcased his expertise by publishing scholarly articles in reputable and Scopus-indexed journals. His diverse research interests encompass project management, innovation management, management science, water-energy-food (WEF) nexus project delivery, sustainable development/sustainability, and cutting-edge technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (including blockchain technology, internet of things, artificial intelligence, etc.).

Professor Clinton Aigbavboa holds the distinguished position of Professor in the Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. Concurrently, he serves as the Director of the cidb Centre of Excellence and the Sustainable Human Settlement and Construction Research Centre (SHSCRC). Professor Aigbavboa stands as a seasoned academician and researcher, with a PhD in Engineering Management, making significant contributions to diverse fields such as housing, construction digitalization, sustainability, engineering management, and technologies associated with the fourth industrial revolution. His extensive portfolio includes the publication of numerous research papers and books that delve into these critical areas, showcasing his commitment to advancing knowledge in the construction domain. In addition to his research pursuits, Professor Aigbavboa takes an active role in imparting knowledge to the next generation of construction professionals as a teacher and a Mentor.

Professor Nnamdi Nwulu holds the position of Professor of Sustainable Cyber-Physical Engineering Systems and serves as Director of the Centre for Cyber-Physical Food, Energy, and Water Systems (CCP-FEWS) at the University of Johannesburg. Additionally, he is Chairholder of the South Africa/Switzerland Bilateral Chair in blockchain technology (SARChI Chair). His research endeavors concentrate on the practical applications of digital technologies, mathematical optimization techniques, and machine learning algorithms within food, energy, and water systems. Prof. Nwulu's scholarly contributions encompass eight published books and over seventy indexed journal publications, earning him the prestigious 2021 NRF Research Excellence Award for Early Career/Emerging Researchers in the engineering/technology category. His memberships include the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) and various other professional associations.

Professor Omoseni Adepoju holds the position of Associate Professor at Lead City University Ibadan, Nigeria. Additionally, she serves as Senior Research Associate within the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. In 2020, she completed a post-doctoral research project focused on developing a rapid re-skilling framework for Construction 4.0 in Sub-Saharan Africa. This research was conducted at the Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, University of Johannesburg, South Africa. During her post-doctoral tenure, Prof. Adepoju contributed significantly to the academic landscape, publishing multiple articles and a book on the topic of reskilling human resources for Construction 4.0, with implications for industry, academia, and government.