2.2.2 How to do a stakeholder analysis for the WEFe Framework 2.0?
Different approaches to stakeholder analysis exist, but in the context of the WEFe Framework 2.0, the focus will be on identifying key stakeholders and their interests, and categorising them (Reed et al., 2009). This process provides a systematic and organised basis of information, helping to understand their agendas, interests, behaviour, and commitment. However, stakeholder analysis is dynamic, meaning stakeholders' positions may change over time, and new relevant actors may emerge during the process.
Identifying stakeholders is an iterative process, where new stakeholders are added as interviews progress. Snowball sampling is used to start with an initial set of stakeholders, interviewing individuals from these categories to identify new ones to include. The analysis begins with a list of potential stakeholders, based on prior knowledge of the area or a literature review, and should include at least one representative from each relevant sector. Interviews should be repeated until a comprehensive list is formed, and they should not be limited to experts but include a diverse sample of stakeholders.
Interview questions to identify stakeholders
Key questions to identify stakeholders involved in WEFE nexus issues, their influence, and dependencies.
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Optional pathways
After the identification of stakeholders, each stakeholder should be classified according to the WEFe nexus:
- Sector(s) of interest (water, energy, food, ecosystems)
- The level (local, regional, national)
- The type (governmental, private, civil society, research) and their relation to the WEFe nexus, i.e., how actors uses a particular resource.
The information required can either be collected during the interview (see above), or through online research.
Table 2.1: Exemplary table for the categorization of stakeholders
Download TableExpected output
The main result of the stakeholder analysis is the completed table 2.1 in 2.2.2.
The table will be crucial for the next phases of the WEFe Framework 2.0: identified stakeholders will be invited to the different stakeholder workshops, or approached for other types of data collection. If many stakeholders are identified, the focus will be on the most important ones (right column). Depending on how the application of the WEFe Framework 2.0 evolves, new stakeholders may be added to the list, or some actors may be considered to be dropped.
Stakeholder analysis serves as the foundation for the next steps to come. Missing key stakeholders may have important implications for the legitimacy of next steps and the whole framework implementation.