Drylands in Southern Africa are increasingly grappling with issues like land degradation, loss of biodiversity, and reduced agricultural productivity, all worsened by climate change and human activities. Soil-based restoration practices have emerged as vital strategies to address these challenges, providing opportunities for ecosystem recovery and sustainable land management. This study offers a systematic review of soil-based restoration practices in the region. Using the PRISMA framework, we examine 41 peer-reviewed studies focusing on agroforestry, conservation agriculture, soil amendments, water harvesting, revegetation, and afforestation. The results indicate that these practices improve soil health, stabilize ecosystems, and enhance water and nutrient cycles, with agroforestry and conservation agriculture being particularly effective in reducing soil erosion and boosting fertility. Nonetheless, resource limitations, land tenure challenges, and low adoption rates impede broader implementation. This chapter underscores the importance of integrated strategies, including community-based management, policy incentives, and targeted investments in drought-resistant species and soil restoration technologies. By tackling these issues, Southern Africa can utilize soil-based restoration to promote biodiversity, support livelihoods, and strengthen resilience against the impacts of climate change.

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Soil-Based Dryland Restoration Practices in Southern Africa: A Systematic Review

  • Lazarus Chapungu,
  • Kelvin Zhanda

摘要

Drylands in Southern Africa are increasingly grappling with issues like land degradation, loss of biodiversity, and reduced agricultural productivity, all worsened by climate change and human activities. Soil-based restoration practices have emerged as vital strategies to address these challenges, providing opportunities for ecosystem recovery and sustainable land management. This study offers a systematic review of soil-based restoration practices in the region. Using the PRISMA framework, we examine 41 peer-reviewed studies focusing on agroforestry, conservation agriculture, soil amendments, water harvesting, revegetation, and afforestation. The results indicate that these practices improve soil health, stabilize ecosystems, and enhance water and nutrient cycles, with agroforestry and conservation agriculture being particularly effective in reducing soil erosion and boosting fertility. Nonetheless, resource limitations, land tenure challenges, and low adoption rates impede broader implementation. This chapter underscores the importance of integrated strategies, including community-based management, policy incentives, and targeted investments in drought-resistant species and soil restoration technologies. By tackling these issues, Southern Africa can utilize soil-based restoration to promote biodiversity, support livelihoods, and strengthen resilience against the impacts of climate change.