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Towards Understanding and Sustaining Natural Resource Systems through the Systems Perspective: A Systematic Evaluation

Author

Listed:
  • Yong S. Nyam

    (Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa, University of the Free State, P.O Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa)

  • Julius H. Kotir

    (CSIRO Agriculture & Food, 203 Tor Street, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia)

  • Andries J. Jordaan

    (Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa, University of the Free State, P.O Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa)

  • Abiodun A. Ogundeji

    (Department of Agricultural Economics, University of the Free State, P.O Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa)

  • Adetoso A. Adetoro

    (Department of Agricultural Economics, University of the Free State, P.O Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa)

  • Israel R. Orimoloye

    (Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa, University of the Free State, P.O Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
    Center for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, P.O Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
    Risk & Vulnerability Science Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus, Alice 5700, South Africa)

Abstract

A bibliometric and network analysis was performed to explore global research publication trends and to investigate relevant policy recommendations in the field of sustainability of natural resources, system dynamics, and systems thinking, to solve water resources issues and enhance water resource management. Overall, 1674 academic research articles data were generated from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, from 1981 to 2019. The findings of this study revealed that system dynamics and systems thinking research has significantly increased over the last decade (from 40 to 250 articles). Countries such as the USA (20%), China (18%), the United Kingdom (5%), Canada, Iran, Australia, and India (4% each) have the most publications and strongest collaborative networks. Sterman (2000) and Forrester (1961) had the most co-cited research while Zhang X had the highest citations, respectively. Results also showed that system theory which includes systems thinking and system dynamics were the most used keywords. The Journal of Cleaner Production was found to have published the highest number of systems thinking and system dynamics related studies, perhaps due to scope relevance. Despite the exponential rise in natural resource sustainability research globally, the result of this study shows that developing countries especially in Africa have low numbers of research publications in the field. Thus, the result of this study serves as a signal for policymakers to increase attention on research publications that could enhance natural resource sustainability, particularly in less developed countries in Africa where the application of systems thinking to natural resource management is limited.

Suggested Citation

  • Yong S. Nyam & Julius H. Kotir & Andries J. Jordaan & Abiodun A. Ogundeji & Adetoso A. Adetoro & Israel R. Orimoloye, 2020. "Towards Understanding and Sustaining Natural Resource Systems through the Systems Perspective: A Systematic Evaluation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-20, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:23:p:9871-:d:451097
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Collins C. Okolie & Abiodun A. Ogundeji, 2022. "Effect of COVID-19 on agricultural production and food security: A scientometric analysis," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 9(1), pages 1-13, December.

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