Cho, Matilda Azong2025-07-312025-07-312025-12Cho, M.A., Mutanga, O. & Mabhaudhi, T. Adaptation to climate change in pastoral communities: a systematic review through a social-ecological lens. International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management (2025) 17 (1): 246–267.1756-8692 (print)1756-8706 (online)10.1108/IJCCSM-10-2023-0126http://hdl.handle.net/2263/103715PURPOSE : This paper aims to apply a socio-ecological systems framework to demonstrate that pastoral adaptation to climate change necessitates a comprehensive approach. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : The authors evaluated the depth of knowledge regarding pastoral adaptation in Africa using bibliometric and content-based analyses. FINDINGS : The analysis of 40 eligible articles, conducted through R Studio, revealed a significant emphasis on climate change adaptation measures. However, there was a noticeable scarcity of research on the role of governance, policy and institutional interventions. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS : The scope of the research is limited to the African continent. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS : This research shed light on how inadequate governance structures and insufficient institutional support, particularly in terms of skills and capacity-building, hinder pastoral communities’ resilience. These limitations may potentially affect pastoral livelihoods adversely, with severe consequences for food security and poverty levels in Africa. SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS : A comprehensive understanding of the challenges pastoralists face in Africa to adapt to climate change will assist in defining high-level policies and interventions to improve pastoral communities’ adaptation actions. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : The study used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses approach to ensure a thorough and systematic investigation. Furthermore, using an established framework and clearly defined methods will greatly aid in replicating the research.en© Matilda Azong Cho, Onisimo Mutanga and Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. Published by Emerald Publishing Limited. This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence.AfricaPastoralismResilienceGovernancePolicyArticle