Assessing pastoral and agro-pastoral livelihood adaptation approaches to climate change and land use dynamics in sub-Saharan African countries

Climate and land-use changes pose a significant threat to food security, economic stability, and resilience in sub-Saharan Africa’s pastoral and agro-pastoral communities. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and land degradation increase vulnerability under weak governance. However, existing evidence on adaptation is fragmented and context-specific, with limited cross-country synthesis. This study conducts a comparative meta-analysis to identify regional patterns, assess the effectiveness of adaptation strategies, and inform scalable policy measures by examining success factors, barriers, and policy implications for strengthened resilience. We conducted a systematic meta-analysis of 47 studies across multiple databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, African Journals Online (AJOL), and EBSCOhost, using random-effects models, meta-regression, heterogeneity (I2), and sensitivity analyses to assess relationships. Results indicate weak land-use correlations (pooled r = 0.20, 95% CI: −0.31, −0.62; I2 = 99%; prediction −0.96–0.98), no consistent subgroup differences (p = 0.052), stronger climate-change correlations (pooled r = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.23, −0.91; I2 = 99–100%; prediction −0.99–1.00). Regional heterogeneity varied, with East Africa at 99% and South Africa at 0% (r = 0.97). In conclusion, climate and land-use pressures are eroding traditional coping mechanisms amid fragmentation and inadequate infrastructure. Priorities include securing communal tenure, investing in water resources, improving climate-smart agriculture, expanding access to services, integrating traditional knowledge, strengthening local governance aligning with community