Water, energy, and food communities

The study explored the possibilities of bringing together localized, cross-sectoral voluntary governance institutions, such as catcment partnerships and a conceptualized ‘water-energy-food-community’, and public and private finance, with a view to optimize localized financing. This was achieved by configuring the synergies between financing institutions, perceptions towards establishment of a ‘water-energy-food-community’, and the legal hurdles to localized financing, using catchment partnerships as an example. Eight key informants’ in-depth interviews, six focus group discussions, and legal analysis were used. Prominent institutions such as the Public Investment Corporation, the Land Bank, and the World Bank were involved in financing the water-energy-food just transition in South Africa. Furthermore, communities and policymakers were conservative in establishing a water-energy-food community.