Sustainable Management and Socio-Ecological Impacts of <i>Acacia decurrens</i> Plantations in Northwestern Ethiopia: A Systematic Review

Acacia decurrens, commonly known as green wattle, has emerged as a rapidly expanding plantation species in the highlands of Northwestern Ethiopia. Originally introduced for soil conservation and fuelwood production, its adoption by smallholder farmers has intensified due to economic incentives, policy support, and suitability for degraded lands. Despite numerous studies addressing its socio-economic and environmental impacts, the research remains fragmented, with limited integration across disciplines, locations, and management contexts. This systematic review synthesizes empirical evidence from over 25 studies conducted between 2015 and 2025, examining the socio-economic, environmental, and governance dimensions of A. decurrens plantations in Northwestern Ethiopia. A systematic review was conducted by searching peer-reviewed articles, theses, and reports from 2015-2025 across multiple databases, followed by data extraction and narrative synthesis to integrate socio-economic, environmental, and governance. Findings indicate that the species contributes significantly to rural livelihoods by generating income, employment, and resilience against agricultural shocks, particularly through charcoal production. Environmentally, well-managed plantations enhance soil organic carbon, rehabilitate degraded landscapes, and provide opportunities for climate change mitigation, although intensive monoculture and unsustainable harvesting practices may threaten biodiversity, soil fertility, and land use sustainability. Governance, policy frameworks, and institutional support play critical roles in shaping adoption, management, and equitable benefit-sharing, with gendered disparities noted in access to resources and decision-making. Despite the growing body of literature, knowledge gaps remain regarding long-term ecosystem effects, integration into agroforestry systems, spatially explicit monitoring, and inclusive socio-economic outcomes. The review highlights best practices, including optimized planting density, agroforestry integration, and improved charcoal production, as pathways to balance ecological and socio-economic benefits. These insights inform sustainable management strategies and evidence-based policy interventions, aiming to maximize the long-term socio-ecological contributions of Acacia decurrens plantations in Northwestern Ethiopia.