Dry forests, which support millions of vulnerable people, are among the most threatened ecosystems globally. This systematic review of 330 studies identifies key drivers of change in East African dry forests, including agricultural expansion, fuelwood extraction, and climate variability. The review highlights three major knowledge gaps: limited geographic coverage, weak interdisciplinary collaboration, and insufficient analysis of indirect drivers. Addressing these gaps is essential for developing sustainable forest management and policy frameworks. The study calls for context-specific, interdisciplinary approaches to conserve dry forests and the ecosystem services they provide, ensuring both environmental resilience and community well-being.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13717-025-00596-yAltmetric score:
Dimensions Citation Count:
Publication year
2025
Authors
Aguilar-Tomasini, M.A.; West, J.J.; Gebrekirstos, A.; Eid, T.; Meressa, A.M.; Rannestad, M.M.
Language
English
Keywords
dry forests, ecosystem services, forest degradation, climate change, fuelwood, agricultural expansion, forest management, land use change, forest policy
Source
Ecological Processes. 14 (1): 40
Geographic
Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Somalia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique
