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Knowledge gaps on drivers of change in East African dry forests: insights from a systematic literature review

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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-y
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    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

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