Load shedding, a response to energy shortages, leads to the adoption of charcoal as an alternative energy source. This shift has significant environmental, water resources, and food security consequences. The research investigates deforestation, biodiversity, ecosystems, land use, water availability, irrigation systems, food insecurity, and energy insecurity resulting from charcoal production and use. The objectives include minimizing deforestation, reducing carbon emissions, addressing climate change effects, and determining the most cost-effective energy option. The study utilized the CLEWs (Climate, Land, Energy, and Water Systems) framework and the OSeMOSYS (Open-Source Energy Modeling System) tool to analyze the interactions between energy, water, and food systems in Zambia. OSeMOSYS was selected for its flexibility and transparency in modeling complex systems over a long-term planning horizon (2020-2070). The CLEWs framework facilitates the integrated analysis of energy use, land management, water resources, and climate change impacts. The study's findings indicate that charcoal use will influence the energy sector through increased cooking demand over time. Charcoal's cooking energy demand is projected to rise from 0.2 GW in 2020 to 1 GW in 2070. Additionally, charcoal use will impact land use by reducing forest land cover by over 10,000 square kilometers by 2070 compared to the baseline study. CO2 emissions will increase due to charcoal's growing cooking demand, reaching approximately 1 million tonnes of CO2 in 2070. Charcoal production will also increase, from 2.2 million tonnes in 2020 to 10 million tonnes in 2070, affecting the food sector by occupying forest land area coverage. The study does not assess the use of charcoal in the water sector. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the implications of load shedding and charcoal use on Zambia's Water-Energy-Food Nexus. It highlights the need for sustainable energy solutions, decreased deforestation, reduced carbon emissions, and improved water and food security. The findings can inform policy interventions and support decision-making processes to optimize energy choices and minimize negative environmental and socioeconomic impacts.