Analysis of the Water, Energy and Food Nexus in Vulnerable Communities of La Guajira (Colombia), Under a Sustainable Approach

In La Guajira, indigenous communities experience poor living conditions and a lack of public utilities that exposes them to extreme poverty and malnutrition. However, large-scale shifts from fossil fuel to renewable energy production in the department signal an opportunity for holistic societal transformation. We propose developing, piloting, and implementing a sustainable water, energy, and food (WEF) model to improve natural resource security amid systemic governance transitions. To do so, we will conduct a participatory appraisal to assess community WEF needs and expectations. We will characterize WEF-nexus component availability in upper and lower Guajira communities. Lastly, we will assess local governance capacity for inclusive community participation and social service provision. The project will produce community- and department-level results. At the community level, we will evaluate local WEF supply and demand. At the departmental level, we will conduct a sustainability analysis comparing WEF conditions in two contrasting regions, upper and lower Guajira. Our inclusive and locally adapted research on WEF model implementation will help local and national governments guide La Guajira through a ¿just energy transition¿ that prioritizes efficient water use and food security.The project¿s interdisciplinary research team will develop a research agenda and submit findings to local and national government officials.}