Abstract
Addressing complex challenges facing social-ecological systems (SES) requires the integration of knowledge from a diversity of disciplines and stakeholders. This requirement has resulted in the establishment of many integrative research programmes, both globally and locally, aimed at coproducing knowledge relevant to solving SES challenges. However, despite the increase in integrative projects, there has been little research on the nature and extent to which these projects acknowledge and integrate information from diverse disciplines or knowledge types. In this study, we explored the extent to which the integration of different disciplines has occurred, using a case study of the South African invasive species management programme, Working for Water (WfW). Here we provide an overview of the research produced under the auspices of WfW, and how it came to be. Additionally, we assess the extent to which research associated with the programme addressed the research priorities and how these priorities relate to one another. Findings show that WfW-associated research is primarily focused on the ecological processes and impacts associated with invasive alien plants and biological control. Social science and applied research are, however, under-represented, infrequent in nature and inadequately address the research priorities set in the programme. To address these shortcomings, we recommend the development of a detailed research strategy and action plan conducive to integrative research and transdisciplinary collaboration, and relevant to solving complex SES challenges such as those associated with biological invasions.
 Significance:
 
 We provide a reference point by which we can assess research progress and guide integration of diverse knowledge systems.
 The results can help guide research decision-making as it relates to invasive species management.
Highlights
Humans have altered the structure and function of many ecosystems, with negative impacts upon the production and flow of ecosystem services and associated impacts on human well-being.[1]
WfW-related research articles were selected based on the presence of the term ‘Working for Water’, its synonyms or alternatives (i.e. ‘working-for-water’, ‘working for water programme’, ‘working for water programme’, ‘WfW’, ‘WfWP’) in a paper’s abstract, title and/or keywords, or where WfW was acknowledged in funding texts and is searchable in Web of Science
We are aware that WfW and invasive alien plant (IAP) management related issues may be addressed in grey literature and in publications that are not on the Web of Science
Summary
Humans have altered the structure and function of many ecosystems, with negative impacts upon the production and flow of ecosystem services and associated impacts on human well-being.[1]. Research projects focusing on social-ecological systems (SES) attempt to foster interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary approaches to research planning and practice, and in doing so to co-produce solutions to sustainability challenges, thereby addressing both societal and environmental needs.[3,13] These programmes and projects recognise the importance of integrated research and that the co-production of knowledge is necessary for the generation of new understandings of SES, including: insights into changes in ecosystem services and their societal implications, ecosystem-based research strategies, and exploring new ways of conducting integrative research. Turner et al.[13] reviewed several SES projects undertaken over the last few decades from which lessons promoting integrated project success and challenges facing such projects were synthesised.
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