Fragmentation in Climate Variability and Rangeland Productivity Studies in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review of Methodological and Conceptual Gaps

Abstract

Climate variability remains a major threat to rangeland ecosystems and pastoral livelihoods in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), contributing to vegetation degradation, biodiversity loss, declining livestock productivity, and ecosystem instability. Although numerous studies have examined climate variability and rangeland productivity, important methodological and conceptual gaps remain unresolved. Hence, the objective of this paper was to identify and synthesize the major methodological and conceptual gaps in climate variability and rangeland productivity research in SSA. A PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR)-guided scoping review was conducted using 50 publications comprising 44 peer-reviewed journal articles, three academic theses, and three technical reports published between 2013 and 2025. Literature was retrieved from Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and ResearchGate. The review focused on the integration of climate variables and ecological productivity indicators, below-ground ecosystem processes, adaptation effectiveness, community perception integration, and ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) assessment. Findings revealed that only 30% of reviewed studies integrated climate variability and ecological productivity indicators within a single analytical framework, while 22% incorporated below-ground indicators such as soil moisture, soil nutrients, and soil organic matter. Although 58% of studies documented adaptation strategies, most lacked empirical ecological evaluation. Community perceptions were integrated in 48% of studies, whereas only 12% experimentally assessed EbA interventions. The review concludes that fragmented approaches limit comprehensive ecosystem monitoring, restoration planning, and evidence-based climate adaptation in SSA. The study contributes a quantitative synthesis of key research gaps and proposes the need for integrated socio-ecological assessment frameworks to strengthen climate resilience and sustainable rangeland management.