This Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) working paper explores the effectiveness of governance for the 'water-energy-food nexus'. It looks at approaches that recognise the links between sectors, factor these in during decision-making and promote integrated policy-making.

The paper synthesises findings from CDKN-supported action research in this area, drawing on findings from Indonesia, Kenya and the Amazon Basin. It demonstrates that the effectiveness of horizontal (cross-sectoral) and vertical (between levels of government) coordination – essential for a nexus approach – is determined by institutional relationships, which can be influenced by political economy factors. The capacity of governing organisations to understand nexus links and to collaborate with each other is also found to be critical.