Social–ecological transformations towards sustainability in drylands: A conceptual framework with examples from the Karamoja cluster in East Africa.

Abstract

Drylands face urgent development challenges that are complex and interconnected, requiring holistic systems-based approaches. Here, we present a social– ecological systems framework to guide research, policy, and action across disciplines and sectors towards sustainability transformations in drylands for improved livelihoods and enhanced ecosystem, livestock, and human health. Our conceptual framework integrates three nonexclusive and complementary lenses of human-driven transformations: systemic, structural and enabling/grassroots change. Based on these three complementary lenses, along with three main phases of transformation and key associated actions, we briefly illustrate the framework’s value through the case of the Karamoja cross-border region of East Africa. We show how the framework can be used as an entry point to identify and analyse key challenges and their interlinkages; envision desired social–ecological systems; and explore pathways towards sustainability. The framework provides actionable guidance to co-develop context-specific interventions that support sustainability transformations in drylands.

Keywords

Drylands; Ecosystem restoration; Governance; Health; Social–ecological systems framework; Sustainability transformations

Published in

AMBIO: A Journal of the Human Environment
2026

SLU Authors

• Bargues Tobella, Aida

  • Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • Agrotecnio

• Nyberg, Gert

  • Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Nyberg, Ylva

  • Department of Crop Production Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Wredle, Ewa

  • Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Öborn, Ingrid

  • Department of Crop Production Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Environmental Sciences

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-026-02389-9

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/146880