Technical Brief // Embedding the Water-Energy Food-Environment (WEFE) Nexus in University Curriculum: The Tribhuvan University Experience
By Koirala et al. This technical brief documents the development and institutionalization of an interdisciplinary WEFE Nexus course at Tribhuvan University in Nepal to promote integrated resource management, climate adaptation, and sustainable development through academic education and capacity building.
Abstract
The technical brief highlights the institutionalization of the WEFE nexus course at Tribhuvan University, Nepal, through collaboration with the WEFE NEXUS Policy’s Area of Work (AoW4) under CGIAR’s Policy Innovations Science Program. It underscores the need to move beyond siloed natural resource management toward integrated, interdisciplinary approaches that address climate change, sustainability, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The curriculum was developed with participatory input from experts. The graduate-level course was piloted in 2024 and officially adopted in 2025. Parallel efforts expanded the course to the Institute of Forestry, supported by Training of Trainers programs. Future directions emphasize faculty capacity-building, student research support, and the integration of local case studies for practical learning.
Published
November 2025