open access

Submitted: 2026-08-07
Natural Resources and Forestry
Published: 2026-09-08

Biodiversity dynamics and ecosystem services of river confluence zones in west Africa under human and climate impacts

Forestry Studies and Research Laboratory, University of Parakou, Benin
Forestry Studies and Research Laboratory, University of Parakou, Benin
Forestry Studies and Research Laboratory, University of Parakou, Benin
Forestry Studies and Research Laboratory, University of Parakou, Benin

Abstract

River confluence zones are recognized as critical ecological systems, characterized by high spatial heterogeneity, high biological productivity and important socio-economic value for local communities. These environments are critical for West Africa's biodiversity conservation, hydrological regulation and livelihoods. However, they are increasingly threatened by pressures such as climate variability, agricultural expansion, urbanization, over-exploitation of natural resources and hydromorphological alterations. Despite their ecological and socio-economic importance, scientific knowledge on their potential flora and fauna and on their ecosystem services is fragmented and insufficiently structured, especially when considering river confluence areas. This systematic review aims at critically reviewing the existing knowledge on biodiversity dynamics and ecosystem services in the light of the anthropogenic and climatic pressures affecting river confluence zones in West Africa. The research strategy is reproducible, based on the Scopus database, and dimensions (1996-2026), and resulted in a final corpus of 52 documents after applying the ROSES protocol. The results show an increasing scientific interest, since 60.9% of the publications were published after 2016. The most reported factors are flood regimes (61.5%) and agriculture (28.4%), while the methodological frameworks are dominated by remote sensing approaches. Key gaps remain on  integration of socio-economic dimensions, participatory methods and knowledge on confluence dynamics. These findings emphasize the necessity of shifting the research paradigm to one that is more interdisciplinary and integrated, which is critical for providing the basis for effective conservation policies adapted to the specific challenges facing West African river confluence ecosystems.

Keywords: River Confluence, biodiversity, ecosystem services, West Africa, anthropogenic pressures, climate variability,  systematic review, bibliometric analysis