Exploring systems analysis and interdisciplinary research approaches for sustainable development in Africa

Research on sustainable development in Africa is essential for addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. This study examines the landscape of the United Nations sustainable development goal (SDG) research, focusing on systems analysis, interdisciplinary research trends, and the influence of funding on research priorities. A systems analysis approach was used to review articles incorporating system modeling, network analysis, system dynamics, complex adaptive systems, socio-ecological systems, life cycle assessment, and system theory. Using a corpus of publications retrieved from Dimensions database, Machine learning-based BERTopic modeling identified six thematic clusters: integrated health systems, governance and policy, environmental sustainability and impact assessments, climate resilience and food security, biodiversity and conservation, and educational systems. Four key topics—healthcare, governance, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience—were analyzed through keyword co-occurrence and SDG mapping to assess alignment with global sustainability priorities. The findings reveal strong interdisciplinary connections, with research aligning significantly with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Stakeholder engagement is critical in governance, healthcare, and environmental policies, yet institutional constraints and funding limitations restrict inclusive collaboration. Education, gender equality, and innovation-related research remain underexplored, emphasizing the need for broader academic focus. Funding trends prioritize climate and energy research, leaving gaps in social and institutional sustainability. Future studies should explore governance models, transboundary resource management, and education systems to address existing knowledge gaps. Strengthening digital tools, interdisciplinary frameworks, and policy-oriented research can increase sustainability efforts in Africa, whereas diversifying funding sources can support underrepresented SDGs for a more balanced approach to sustainable development research.