Integrating Land Use, Fish Ecology and Community Participation in Riverine Ecosystems of Sub-Saharan Africa: A Regional Synthesis of Evidence and Gaps

Abstract

Riverine ecosystems in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) face degradation due to land-use changes. However, the understanding of ecological responses and community involvement is still fragmented. This review brings together evidence on how land-use changes, fish ecology, and community participation interact in SSA river systems. The goal is to identify regional patterns, knowledge gaps, and chances for better management. 29 studies published between 2015 and 2025, including peer-reviewed articles, theses, and technical reports from East, West, Central, and Southern Africa, were reviewed. The findings provide strong evidence that land-use changes, especially agriculture, urbanisation, mining, and deforestation, significantly impact hydrology, water quality, and habitat structure across all regions. Fish communities are well known as sensitive indicators of environmental changes, with shifts in species composition, diversity, and functional traits showing ecosystem degradation. However, fish-based ecological assessments are not evenly distributed; Southern Africa has developed indicators more thoroughly compared to other regions. On the other hand, community participation is the weakest aspect. Notably, no study combines land-use dynamics, fish ecology, and community participation within a single socio-ecological framework. This lack of integration limits the effectiveness of river basin management and lessens the practical use of research findings. The review underscores the need for comprehensive socio-ecological monitoring systems that combine fish-based indicators, land-use analysis, and active community involvement to improve the resilience and sustainable management of river ecosystems in SSA.