Gender and Water-Energy-Food Nexus in the Rural Highlands of Ethiopia: Where Are the Trade-Offs?

The introduction of modern bioenergy alternatives is promoted to address water–energy–food (WEF) security in the rural highlands Ethiopia. While role women WEF an essential component these challenges, gender dimensions remain invisible nexus debate. This study explores impact gender-specific roles between female- and male-headed households on resources Ethiopia using agent-based modeling approach. includes capturing responses interventions current energy crises that may reduce or enhance synergies among whether technology would improve quality life for both men women. Using participatory gendered mental model food–energy–land nexus, a base ABM was developed simulate predicted effects under scenarios population growth labor reallocation. Initial simulation results show there low adoption alternative (i.e., biogas digesters), majority dependent traditional sources (e.g., fuel wood animal dung), suggesting further land degradation. Female-headed adopt increase their burden collecting water needed operation. Reallocation from crop production fuelwood collection result reduction yields. It expected have better yields than female counterparts due roles. However, by shifting 10% allocated production, teff wheat) produced female-headed be comparable male counterparts, enhancing food security. reduced workloads resulting digesters will not necessarily life. suggests trade-offs arise efficiency (in resource use) social equity, which deserve analyzed.