The transformation process as an adaptive cycle and its application to recovery from desertification in Shinyanga

Abstract

Using Holling's adaptive cycle, a framework for social-ecological system assessment and transformation is described. It includes assessments of disturbance beyond the biophysical system capacity to recover. This can trigger a transformation process for recovery with elements of an adaptive cycle: an exploitation phase of using human and economic resources, an accumulation phase of acquiring knowledge and social, cultural, and economic capital, a disturbance phase of formulating new approaches to biophysical system management, and a reorganization phase of developing new institutional arrangements. Management interventions are then implemented. These interventions relate to the four phases of the biophysical system adaptive cycle: reducing pressure on the resource in the exploitation phase, addressing legacy issues in the accumulation phase, increasing system resilience in the disturbance phase, and rehabilitating adverse effects in the reorganization phase. This framework is applied to woodland clearance to expand agriculture and eradicate tsetse fly that led to soil erosion and desertification in Shinyanga, Tanzania. After centralized attempts at restoration failed, the program manager worked in partnership with local farmers and incorporated traditional knowledge and institutions. The transformation led to woodland restoration and increased ecosystem services.