Enhancing risk communication for climate-sensitive neglected tropical diseases in Northern Tanzania: Integrating agropastoral community knowledge and health system strategies
Document Type
Article
Department
Arusha Climate and Environmental Research Centre
Abstract
Land-based learning (LBL) is increasingly recognized as a critical interface between knowledge systems and climate adaptation; however, its role in shaping food systems resilience remains fragmented across disciplines. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from 137 studies to examine how LBL functions as an adaptive knowledge system by linking intergenerational food literacy to climate resilience. Across diverse socio-ecological contexts, LBL operates through relational and practice-based processes such as mentorship, observation, and participation that enhance food knowledge within lived environmental interactions. These processes generate interconnected adaptation pathways, including adaptive ecological knowledge, diversification and agrobiodiversity, ecosystem stewardship, proactive capacity, and social reciprocity. Collectively, these pathways enable food systems to respond dynamically to environmental variability and uncertainty, particularly climate change. The review identifies consistent outcome patterns, including enhanced food competence, food system awareness, dietary diversity, and adaptive capacity, alongside strengthened cultural continuity. These outcomes are not discrete but form a linked system through which knowledge, practice, and social organization co-produce resilience. However, the evidence base remains limited by methodological fragmentation, lack of standardized metrics, and insufficient integration into climate policy frameworks. These gaps constrain the recognition of LBL within dominant adaptation approaches, particularly towards achieving sustainable and resilient food systems. We argue that LBL should be recognized within climate adaptation and food systems policy as an adaptive knowledge infrastructure that supports locally grounded resilience, intergenerational knowledge transfer, and culturally appropriate adaptation planning. Integrating LBL into climate adaptation strategies requires bridging local and Indigenous Knowledge systems with policy and governance frameworks.
Publication (Name of Journal)
Environmental Science & Policy
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2026.104462
Recommended Citation
Adelodun, B.,
Soma, T.,
Sulle, E.
(2026). Enhancing risk communication for climate-sensitive neglected tropical diseases in Northern Tanzania: Integrating agropastoral community knowledge and health system strategies. Environmental Science & Policy, 183.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/acer/127