The breadth and potential of systems analysis across Africa

Goujon, A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4125-6857, Addo, F. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2357-7649, Bauer, M., Lips, K. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2719-1551, Lutz, W. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7975-8145, & Schellnhuber, H.J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7453-4935 (2025). The breadth and potential of systems analysis across Africa. Environmental Development 55 e101207. 10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101207.

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Abstract

Systems analysis is a multidisciplinary scientific approach that examines complex entities and dynamics by "perceiving and understanding the whole", which emerges from the properties and interactions of the individual parts and processes involved. For instance, the collapse of many ecosystems or entire cultures can only be explained by accounting for the interplay of crucial components (such as species, sectors, and norms) with each other and their natural or social environments. Therefore, systems analysis, which employs advanced cognitive tools such as complexity science, simulation modeling or AI-based pattern recognition, is often the best option for addressing the global challenges we currently face or will face in the near future, including global warming, extreme climate and weather events, biodiversity loss, food security, soil quality degradation, water scarcity and quality, social inequality, and technological disruption.

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