Capacity building in the water-energy-food-environment nexus in Nepal: achievements and future direction

Fanaian, Safa; Koirala, Sanju; Nepal, Santosh; Pandey, V. P.; Aryal, S.; Khadka, Manohara

Capacity building in the water-energy-food-environment nexus in Nepal: achievements and future direction

Autores

Editor

International Water Management Institute
CGIAR Policy Innovations Program

Descripción

The technical report documents the purpose, processes, and achievements of the Water–Energy–Food–Environment (WEFE) nexus capacity building initiative implemented in Nepal since 2022. The initiative was developed to address limited intersectoral collaboration and gaps in technical and leadership capacity across government, academia, and civil society, with a strong focus on gender equality and social inclusion. Its primary purpose is to present how the program was codesigned and delivered, what outcomes it generated, and what lessons were learned to guide future institutionalization of WEFE approaches in Nepal. Through a multi-faceted approach of sensitization workshops, professional training, academic course development, locally tailored tools, and leadership and mentoring programs, the initiative enhanced capacities at multiple levels and strengthened understanding of WEFE nexus-oriented resource management. More than 1,491 participants, including 579 women, engaged in 37 events. Key achievements of this initiative include the integration of WEFE concepts into university curricula, uptake of curriculum developed, enhanced technical and leadership skills among practitioners, and the creation of Communities of Practice (CoP) that continue to support cross‑sector engagement. The program also contributed to policy coherence by informing discussions on irrigation policy, gender‑responsive planning, and climate‑related decision‑making. The experience through this initiative highlights the importance of long‑term mentoring, institutional ownership, and locally relevant learning resources for sustaining the WEFE approach. Going forward, priorities include supporting faculty development, expanding undergraduate engagement, developing Nepal‑specific case studies and tools, and strengthening CoP as ongoing platforms for collaboration, innovation, and inclusive governance.