Community-based watershed management (CBWM) for climate change adaptation and mitigation: Research trends, gaps, and factors assessment

Abstract

Appropriate watershed management must be implemented as an adaptation and mitigation action for climate change. Therefore, community-based watershed management (CBWM) has been introduced as the best practice for watershed management. This study provides a comprehensive review of the community-based approach as an appropriate option for managing watersheds, which is also helpful in adapting and mitigating climate change, especially in developing countries. In addition, this study systematically summarizes and analyzes the critical success of participatory CBWM activities. Systematic literature network analysis (SLNA) was used to analyze current research trends, gaps, and future research directions. A bibliometric study found that the number of publications on CBWM has increased over the years. Several terms and keywords showed the study's trends, topics, and research gaps. The research began with forest management as part of watershed management, and then shifted to the impact of climate change on watershed management. This study found that community participation in CBWM is influenced by three dimensions: socioeconomic, institutional, and technical factors. To increase participation, these factors should be considered when implementing the CBWM in a region. This study is essential to fill the knowledge gap in watershed management, especially when implementing CBWM as a policy directive on water resources.