This special issue results from diverse investigations carried out in Africa. It reflects the focus and dedication to show the diversity in contributions and expectantly inspiring further research in ecosystem management, food security, livelihoods and climate change responses. It aims to provide conceptual approaches and empirical research to depict and stimulate a broader concern in the ever-changing environment and climate change debate. Adaptation and mitigation measures as an inevitable response to climate change are becoming more apparent with IPCC evidence. The African continent is where the highest levels of total food insecurity are observed, and more water and ecosystem degradation incidents are reported. Climate change potentially shortens the growing season in the continent and forces large regions of marginal agriculture out of production.

Thus, the essence of the special issue considered that human advancements are seriously threatened by climate change. African economies are primarily agrarian, and most people live in rural areas. These factors, along with their reliance on natural resources and little capacity for adaptation, make them particularly vulnerable to climate change. Impacts and appropriate responses, however, vary by region. Despite having a geographical focus, findings from many studies are relevant to local, national, regional, and even global levels. The results could be used locally to inform lessons learnt elsewhere on appropriate local-level measures in addressing climate challenges. At the national and regional levels, results may also influence national and regional policies at these levels. Furthermore, these findings could be compared to other continents on a global scale.

The special issue tracks and consolidates the research findings from broader disciplinary studies conducted in Africa on climate change, ecosystem management and food security. In total, 16 research papers are presented in this special issue. They encompass biodiversity, ecology, agriculture, water resources, coastal resources, climate change mitigation and adaption, gender participation, and livelihood security in changing environment. The studies indicate broad consensus on the need to improve food security and invest in ecosystem management for food security to make substantial progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The impacts of climate change on food and livelihood security are a major issue of concern in the context of persistent poverty and continued environmental degradation. Although there is considerable knowledge on the issue of climate change adaptation and mitigation and ecosystem management predominant on the food security, livelihoods–environment nexus, reducing uncertainties about management and investment decisions to meet food and ecosystem security objectives is required. Thus, responding to climate change impact and environmental management through an innovative and multi-institute process aimed at identifying and stimulating existing knowledge to sustain the human and ecosystem requirements.

Generally, the papers in this special issue motivate and identify existing gaps in the literature on the environmental dynamics within the ecology, biodiversity, livelihood activities, vulnerability and response to climate change. Therefore, more interdisciplinary researchers would be motivated to contribute to filling the knowledge gaps.