Hydropower and the water-energy-food nexus

This chapter begins with the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus concepts and continues with the main drivers of the WEF nexus in the Zambezi River Basin, that is to say, hydropower and irrigation developments. It provides a description of physiographic, institutional and environmental factors affecting the WEF nexus in the Zambezi, discussion of challenges and opportunities associated with the WEF nexus approach to planning interventions. The main effort was given to the energy sector, with the construction of hydropower plants and the power utilities holding the principal water rights, while increased irrigation and municipal water demands were dealt with locally. The construction of the largest hydropower plant in the Zambezi started in 1969. The interconnection between power utilities in southern Africa means that the energy generated by the hydropower stations in the Zambezi Basin can be exported over long distances.