A critical success factor (CSF) framework for implementing net-positive housing in the water, energy, food, environment (WEFE) Nexus: Insights from Jordan and South Africa

Addressing the specific challenges faced by low-income communities, such as poor housing conditions, is crucial while simultaneously working toward global sustainability goals, including net-zero emissions and climate change mitigation. This study explores the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) influencing the Water, Energy, Food, and Environment (WEFE) nexus within the Sustainable, Innovative, Affordable Housing (SIAH) framework in Jordan and South Africa. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted to identify Net-Positive SIAH strategies, incorporating document searching, filtering, and content analysis to classify CSFs. Additionally, a semi-structured questionnaire campaign collected data from both countries, which was analysed using unsupervised Machine Learning (ML) techniques to cluster responses and establish the relative importance and interconnections of CSFs through a Gephi network. Findings highlights key priorities within the WEFE nexus, providing insights into region-specific sustainability challenges and solutions. The study contributes a novel, evidence-based approach to affordable and sustainable housing by systematically quantifying and mapping CSF interrelationships. This research advances the understanding of Net-Positive housing by integrating technological, environmental, and social dimensions, offering practical implications for policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders in the Global South.