The Water–Employment–Migration nexus: Buzzword or useful framework?

Motivation Critical development studies have overlooked water‐related nexuses and frameworks proposed by development agencies that recognize that water and sanitation are linked to other development challenges and identify the synergies and trade‐offs between sectors. In particular, critical development studies have ignored these nexus approaches urged upon the governments of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the world's most water‐scarce region. Purpose The article presents a case study of the Water–Employment–Migration (WEM) nexus framework, which has been recently proposed in policy circles. The analysis reflects on the extent to which this new nexus may be either a buzzword or instead a useful framework to improve national policies in the MENA region. Methods and approach We undertook a comprehensive review of the relevant literature on the WEM nexus. We complemented this secondary data with interviews with key informants from the institutions involved in the WEM nexus, as well as from youth organizations active in the Mediterranean region and working in the development sector. Findings What emerged is that there are no concrete examples of how to operationalize the WEM nexus at the policy level. Many respondents in the MENA region highlighted the need to “mainstream WEM in policies and plans” but were vague when asked how. There is a need for more critical evidence to elevate the WEM nexus from a discussion topic among regional organizations, to a concept that can be useful and practical. Policy implications Rather than a new nexus, which would capture only a few sectors relating to water, what is needed is a systems thinking approach, able to encompass the complexity and multifaceted issues relating to water resources.