A systematic review on the causes and effects of urbanization on wetlands in Sub-Saharan Africa Open Access

Globally, rapid population growth in major cities significantly contributed to land-use transformations and the loss of valuable wetlands in urban areas (Ekumah et al., 2020; Rebelo et al., 2011). The world population is approximately 8 billion people; by 2050, 66% of this population is expected to live in urban areas (Hoornweg and Pope, 2017). More than 90% of urban population growth occurred in the global south, particularly in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, primarily due to high fertility rates in cities and towns (United Nations, 2018). Although Africa remained the least urbanized continent, it experienced the highest urban population growth rate, estimated at 3.9% annually (Cartwright, 2015; Jarraud and Steiner, 2012). Most of Africa’s urban population resided in cities of 500,000 people or less, though the urban share of larger cities steadily increased over the past three decades (Turok and McGranahan, 2013).

Urbanization in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) grew rapidly in recent decades, significantly altering the region’s landscape and ecosystems, including wetlands (Mngumi, 2020; Muchelo et al., 2024). Wetlands, defined as natural or man-made regions that uphold ecological equilibrium and provide habitats for endangered species, served as natural filters, neutralizing toxins, capturing sediment and purifying water (Tiner, 2016; Clausen and Clausen, 2014; Malaviya and Singh, 2012). Studies show that urbanization significantly contributed to the degradation and loss of wetlands. As urban areas expanded, wetlands were frequently drained, filled or constructed upon to accommodate infrastructure and urban development (McDonald, 2015).

Urbanization led to the loss of wetlands, resulting in multiple environmental effects. Wetlands played a critical role in flood management, water purification and biodiversity preservation (Agaton et al., 2023; Mensah and Ahadzie, 2020). The socio-economic impacts of wetland loss in urbanizing areas were substantial, affecting livelihoods dependent on fishing, agriculture and water provision (Thamaga, 2021). The deterioration of wetlands negatively impacted local economies and food security, exacerbating poverty and inequality in urban regions. According to Mensah et al. (2021), addressing challenges associated with urban resilience was crucial for creating sustainable cities, achievable through disaster response funding and understanding urban resilience principles.

Urbanization is not a new phenomenon characterized by a considerable rise in the number of people living in cities, which is frequently driven by a mix of economic possibilities, population expansion and infrastructure improvement (Chen et al., 2018; Cobbinah and Aboagye, 2017; Gu, 2019). The United Nations projects that the urban population in less developed regions, particularly in Africa, will continue to grow, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of the complex interactions among urbanization, rural−urban migration and economic development (Hoffmann et al., 2023). Urbanization in Africa has been a subject of scholarly interest due to its complex nature and the unique dynamics observed in the continent (Cobbinah and Darkwah, 2016; Güneralp et al., 2017). Moreover, the rapid urban population growth in African cities has significant implications for economic and social structures (Cobbinah et al., 2022; Güneralp et al., 2017; Tacoli et al., 2015).

Urbanization in SSA is characterized by a multifaceted interrelationship between economic expansion, demographic dynamics and environmental sustainability. Todaro and Smith (2020) emphasized the role of urban areas as centers of economic progress and social dynamics, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by urbanization, such as unemployment and informal economic activities. Sakketa (2023) and Thulare et al. (2021) contented that the interplay between rural-urban migration, economic development and the urban informal economy is a key area of focus in understanding the multifaceted nature of urbanization in Africa. Critical wetland ecosystems, which offer vital services like water purification, flood prevention and biodiversity preservation, are facing a severe threat due to the rapid expansion of cities and urban development. Despite their acknowledged value, wetlands continue to face significant degradation due to anthropogenic activities, including land conversion for agriculture, infrastructure development and pollution (Amoussou et al., 2022; Ogbechi, 2023; Rebelo et al., 2011). Despite these challenges, there is growing recognition of the importance of conserving and restoring wetlands in the context of urbanization. Policy interventions and management strategies are being implemented to promote sustainable wetland management and mitigate the impacts of urban expansion. Examples include integrated land-use planning, community-based conservation efforts and the establishment of protected areas (Carlos et al., 2022; Cartwright, 2015; Wetlands et al., 2013). In addition, green infrastructure projects, such as constructed wetlands and vegetated swales, mimic the functions of natural wetlands, managing stormwater runoff, improving water quality and enhancing urban biodiversity (Stefanakis, 2019). These approaches present promising solutions for balancing urban development with wetland conservation in SSA.

While urbanization’s effects on natural ecosystems, including wetlands, are widely studied globally, these studies often lack the specific regional focus necessary to address the unique challenges of SSA. However, the fragmented and case-specific nature of existing studies hinders comprehensive understanding and policymaking. Research has explored various aspects, such as urban encroachment on wetlands (Gideon and Bernard, 2018; Isunju and Kemp, 2016; Kabiri et al., 2020; Obia et al., 2015), pollution-related degradation (Almulhim and Cobbinah, 2023; Dar et al., 2021; Gebresllassie et al., 2014) and biodiversity loss due to urban sprawl (Ayeni et al., 2023; Cobbinah et al., 2022; Festus et al., 2020). Research in countries like Nigeria and Kenya highlights how urban growth leads to wetland ecosystem decline (Kayitesi, 2019; Mansur, 2021; Obia et al., 2015; Wali, 2015; Wangai et al., 2019), while studies in Tanzania and Uganda investigate socio-ecological effects, such as pollution and water cycle modifications (Andrew, 2017; Luwinzo, 2023; Osaliya, 2021).

Despite these case-specific insights, there is a lack of comprehensive studies synthesizing findings at a subregional level. Much of the literature focuses on singular instances without broader conclusions relevant to SSA as a whole. This fragmented nature of the data complicates the identification of critical regional issues and limits effective policymaking and conservation efforts tailored to SSA’s specific needs. No single study or framework consolidates the fragmented knowledge into a cohesive understanding of the multidimensional impacts of urbanization on wetlands in SSA. This gap hinders effective policymaking and conservation efforts tailored to the region. As a result, policymakers and conservationists are left without a clear, unified resource to inform sustainable urban development and wetland conservation strategies across the region.

Given this context, a systematic review is essential for understanding the complex interplay between rapid urban growth and environmental sustainability. By exploring the causes of urbanization and its effects on wetlands, we can uncover the factors degrading these vital ecosystems and reveal the implications for biodiversity, water management, climate regulation and local livelihoods. Furthermore, examining how different urbanization patterns affect wetland ecosystems gives crucial insights into the various levels of environmental stress and opportunities for mitigation through improved planning and policy interventions. The specific research questions for achieving the goal and objectives of this study include:

This study is based on a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, using a systematic method to review the literature related to the causes and effects of rapid urbanization in SSA. The study used the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews (PRISMA) guidelines to perform the systematic literature review, guaranteeing thorough and standardized reporting on the subject. This method helped in recognizing previously analyzed impacts and reasons of urbanization on wetlands in SSA while evaluating the study’s methodology. The approach showcases the review’s quality, enabling readers to evaluate the paper’s strengths (Moher et al., 2010; Simpeh et al., 2022). A systematic literature review is crucial for comprehensively synthesizing existing knowledge on a given topic (Asamoah et al., 2024; Okoli, 2015), enabling researchers to identify literature gaps, trends and contradictions. The fundamental sources for the knowledge offered in this study included review journal articles, reports and conference papers on the issue of urbanization and wetlands.

The review centered on the causes and effects of urbanization on wetlands. Scopus database was used to gather articles on urbanization and wetlands in Africa, using the searched terms: “Urbanization in SSA,” “Sub-Saharan Africa,” “Wetlands,” “Rapid Development in Africa,” “Urbanization on wetlands” and “Population growth and wetland development” in the English language. All these terms were searched for simultaneously in English to arrive at the outcome in Figure 1. The literature retrieved from the search focused on publications with subjects on urbanization, wetlands ecology, environmental and development, land use change, urban development, conservation biology and socioeconomic implications of wetland degradation. These approaches were supplemented by a manual search of all chosen studies’ references using the bibliography after each retrieved article and were augmented by reviewing the references of all selected research and the bibliographies added to each retrieved article.

PRISMA ensures the accuracy and transparency of paper selection, facilitating seamless information flow throughout the review stages (Agrawal et al., 2024; Moher et al., 2015). It quantifies the number of papers identified, screened, approved and used. However, PRISMA lacks detailed guidance on systematic review methodology and fails to represent ongoing search results accurately, potentially diminishing review quality (Mensah et al., 2022; Page et al., 2021). To address this, “Inclusion and exclusion criteria” and “Data extraction, management and analysis” criteria were used, providing a structured approach to study selection and maintaining adherence to established guidelines. Comprehensive documentation of all search results ensured a thorough overview of the literature, incorporating studies discovered throughout the review process to enhance the reliability of the findings.

A total of 968 articles were identified from the Scopus distinct database for this review. The search criterion was modified by filtering out articles from the year 2010 and below which led to the selection of 916 articles. For each search, the titles of each article were screened once to choose those with titles relevant to the research. It is important to note that a total of 784 articles were rejected with only 132 articles being selected for the next screening. The abstract of each publication was carefully reviewed to ensure that it met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review. A full-text screening strategy was used in the second screening stage for articles that could not be rejected or eliminated based on the identified abstract or title. We looked over the whole text of the publications to find any potentially pertinent research. A total of 69 articles were eliminated following the screening process, leaving 63 publications for the systematic review (see Figure 1).

Abductive reasoning was used in the study to interpret the collected data (Żelechowska et al., 2020). After preparation, coding and grouping, the chosen articles were put through an iterative read-and-review process to undergo an abductive theme analysis (Asamoah et al., 2024; Dell, 2021; Frost, 2021). To give a complete evaluation, the publications were divided into three categories based on their objectives: causes, effects and urbanization patterns on wetlands. The authors assessed the full-text papers using predefined inclusion criteria and retrieved relevant information into a spreadsheet. The retrieved data included the study’s objectives, major findings and recommendations. This method is a hybrid approach that combines deductive and inductive components in a qualitative theme analysis (Proudfoot, 2023; Xu and Zammit, 2020).

The analysis included a thorough review of the scholarly publications, with topics grouped according to recurrent patterns and frequencies to discover trends (Linnenluecke et al., 2020; Mäntylä et al., 2018). Priori codes generated deductively from existing urbanization research were used to organize the data into themes, emphasizing essential features such as causes, effects and urbanization patterns on wetlands. Simultaneously, the strategy enabled themes to emerge from the data during inductive coding (Cassell and Bishop, 2019). When there was a dispute, the authors went back to the sources to double-check the correctness of their interpretations and collaborated on the results and implications of the studies. This technique allowed for a more thorough understanding of the causes and effects of urbanization on wetlands in SSA while accommodating the data’s richness and diversity.

This section shows countries’ contributions in terms of trends and key themes.

The study revealed that various countries have studied the causes and effects of urbanization on wetlands. The distribution of publications among the countries in SSA was calculated using the authors’ country affiliations. Figure 2 depicts the number of documents from various countries in SSA that include more studies on the causes and impacts of urbanization on wetlands. There were 31 citations and publications from 31 countries globally, with 8 African countries (Ethiopia, Malawi, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania) having the most publications. The number of papers and citations were obtained using the VOSviewer analytical tool, with a minimum of five publications per country.

Figure 2 shows five clusters of the most active SSA countries that research the causes and impacts of urbanization on wetlands. A total of 8 of the 48 SSA countries (16%) were identified. Focusing on West Africa, Ghana and Nigeria have strong ties to South Africa, the only South African country on the list. Ethiopia, Malawi, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania were the only East African countries researching the issue. This demonstrates a stronger contribution by East Africans to studies on urbanization, urban sprawl, land use and land cover changes, and its impact on wetlands, hence calling for future collaboration, sharing of discoveries and technology and cooperative research funding programs with other SSA countries and the world at large. It will also encourage improved methods for sustaining wetland ecosystems while preserving biodiversity.

In terms of cooccurrence of keywords, several terms and subjects have been developed to better comprehend and describe the issue as a result of research on the causes and impacts of urbanization on wetlands in SSA. Keywords provide insight into the concepts and elements of research associated with a certain field of study by revealing how particular research fields have evolved and continue to change throughout time. Data was loaded into VOSviewer from the Scopus database to identify reoccurring keywords used in research related to the topic of the causes and effects of urbanization on wetlands in SSA. The goal was to create a visualization map for cooccurring keywords and an overlaying network of these studies.

Table 1 shows the top ten occurring keywords used in research related to the causes and effects of urbanization on wetlands in SSA. During the generation of the maps, cooccurrence was chosen as the “type of analysis,” “Full counting” was selected as the “counting method,” and “Author keywords” was the “Unit of Analysis.” This was calculated using the overall link strength of cooccurrence links with other keywords. Typically, the overlay visualization maps use different hues to represent the average year of publication for the articles or journals linked to each term. This makes it easier to find relevant studies on the subject over time. While keywords displayed in blue and violet are often connected to earlier publications, keywords displayed in yellow and green are typically linked to more current publications.

The minimum number of times a keyword must occur was set at 3. Out of 795 keywords, 83 met the requirements. Figure 3 illustrates a network of keyword cooccurrences reflecting the most commonly discussed themes on the issue. The cooccurred author keywords were displayed using different colors, indicating the most commonly cooccurring keywords from 2019 to 2022.

Table 1 shows related author keywords such as urbanization, water quality, ecosystem services, land cover, flooding, wetlands, biodiversity, land use, groundwater resources and water management. “Urbanization” is the driving force behind changes in “land use, land cover,” and environmental circumstances. As cities grow, natural environments, particularly “wetlands,” are transformed or destroyed, causing enormous environmental consequences. Changes in “land use and land cover” upset ecological balances and diminish the provision of vital “ecosystem services.” Urbanization threatens these functions by modifying “wetlands,” resulting in poor “water quality,” increased “flooding” and loss of “biodiversity.”

Terms such as “groundwater resource and water management” are crucial in urban areas to mitigate the effects of urbanization on wetlands. This involves maintaining current wetlands, restoring those that have been harmed and implementing sustainable land-use strategies to protect water quality and reduce flood risks. Urbanization often leads to the covering of water-permeable land, which diminishes groundwater recharge and exhausts groundwater resources. Moreover, urbanization alters the delicate balance of ecosystems by changing land use and land cover, resulting in the deterioration of wetlands. This has an impact on water quality, ecosystem services, flood risk, biodiversity and groundwater supplies. Effective water management measures are required to counteract these negative effects and maintain the ecological functions of wetlands in urbanizing areas.

From Figure 4, articles are the most prevalent document type, with a total of 51 out of 63 publications for the systematic review (see Figure 1), serving as the primary outlet for sharing research results. A primary emphasis appears to be on in-depth, peer-reviewed studies, which are often characterized by their rigor and thoroughness. There are eight reviews, however, which provide critical assessments and summaries of existing research but are relatively scarce, potentially indicating a shortfall in thorough evaluations of the field. This disparity presents a potential opportunity for future research to integrate and synthesize core findings to inform ongoing studies.

Minimal representation is provided for book chapters (3) and conference papers (1), indicating limited contributions from these sources. A low volume of conference papers indicates a lack of participation in collaborative or cutting-edge discussions at professional events, while the small quantity of book chapters implies restricted interdisciplinary or more expansive contextual examinations. Increasing contributions in these formats may encourage more collaboration and incorporate the research into broader academic and policy debates.

Figure 5 illustrates trends in research output from 2011 to 2024, showing three distinct phases. From 2011 to 2018, publication numbers remained low, fluctuating between 1 and 4 annually, indicating minimal activity or early exploration of the field. A gradual increase began around 2019, followed by a sharp surge peaking at 19 publications in 2022, reflecting growing interest and advancements in the field. However, a significant decline is observed in 2023, with only 8 publications, suggesting a possible saturation point, shifting research priorities or publication delays. This pattern highlights the need to monitor future trends to understand the decline.

The study found that urbanization in SSA is propelled by a combination of factors, including population growth, economic development, infrastructure development and migration (see Table 2). Rapid urban population expansion increases the demand for housing, infrastructure and services, often leading to wetland encroachment. Examples include Lagos’ sprawl affecting the Lagos Lagoon and Kinshasa’s wetlands along the Congo River (Cobbinah et al., 2022; Kayembe et al., 2018; Nwanko, 2022). Industrial and commercial districts spread as cities prosper economically, often targeting wetlands, seen as low-value land. Examples include industrialization in Dar es Salaam’s Msimbazi River Basin (Igulu and Mshiu, 2020; Yao et al., 2023) and Johannesburg’s encroachment on the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve (Setshedi et al., 2022).

Wetlands are regularly drained or filled as part of urban infrastructure construction (Stefanakis, 2019). Ombara (2013) contended that the construction of an expressway in Nairobi has deteriorated the Nairobi River Basin, while the roads and building projects in Addis Ababa have disturbed wetlands like the Akaki River basin (Kebede, 2022). Unplanned urban expansion and informal settlements in wetland areas are frequently caused by migration. The Korle Lagoon in Accra has been impacted, while the Banco Forest Wetlands in Abidjan have been deteriorated by informal settlements, raising the risk of flooding and pollution (Ola and Benjamin, 2019; Squire, 2018; Wiegleb, 2019; Mensah and Ahadzie, 2020).

From Table 3, the review unearthed biodiversity loss, flooding and altered hydrology, water quality degradation and loss of livelihood as effects of urbanization on wetlands in SSA. Wetlands in SSA are critical to the livelihoods of many communities, offering resources such as fish, good soil and water for cultivation. However, urbanization is encroaching on these wetlands, resulting in lower agricultural yields, dwindling fish populations and the loss of traditional livelihoods. The degradation of wetlands removes natural flood barriers, increasing food insecurity, poverty and displacement while making populations more vulnerable to flooding, infrastructure damage and loss of life. In addition, the diminished water filtration capacity necessitates costly artificial purification and flood control measures, straining public resources and diverting funds from essential services.

The destruction of wetlands for development reduces essential ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, flood control and water purification while causing habitat fragmentation, biodiversity loss and water pollution. Urban runoff leads to eutrophication and harmful algal blooms, destabilizing ecosystems and causing soil erosion. Urbanization and climate change exacerbate these impacts, increasing greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating climate change, while also undermining the economic and social benefits wetlands provide, such as agricultural support and local livelihoods.

The review identified sprawling urbanization, densification, informal settlement, fragmented urbanization and planned urban expansion as patterns of urbanization affecting wetlands in SSA (see Table 4). Sprawling urbanization refers to the horizontal spread of cities over wide regions, typically without extensive planning (Egidi et al., 2020). This form of expansion typically results in the conversion of natural landscapes into residential, commercial or industrial areas. In SSA, expanding urbanization frequently causes considerable wetland degradation when wetlands are drained, filled or built over to accommodate urban growth (Kolowa et al., 2024; Muchelo et al., 2024; Saghir and Santoro, 2018; Butt et al., 2021) highlighted that urban expansion causes habitat loss, diminished biodiversity and disruptions to wetlands’ natural functions, such as water filtering and flood control. Notable examples include Kinshasa’s urban sprawl on the Pool Malebo wetlands in Congo (DRC) (Lohaka et al., 2022), and the sprawling growth of Lagos on the Lekki Lagoon in Nigeria (Oyalowo, 2022).

The primary objective of densification is to enhance population density in existing urban areas instead of expanding outward (Chakraborty et al., 2022). In SSA, densification can still negatively affect nearby wetlands even though it decreases the urban expansion land footprint. The higher concentration of people and activities can lead to increased pollution, stormwater runoff and encroachment on wetland areas, putting pressure on these ecosystems and potentially causing their decline (Amenu and Mamo, 2018). In Johannesburg, South Africa, the densification impacts the Rietvlei Wetland Reserve (Sihlongonyane, 2018).

Again, the development of informal settlements onto wetlands causes significant environmental deterioration. These settlements contribute to pollution, waste development and habitat degradation, disrupting the natural balance of wetlands and diminishing their ability to offer critical functions like as water purification and flood control (Newton et al, 2020). Wetlands can become isolated due to fragmented urbanization patterns, which affects their connectedness to adjacent ecosystems. Fragmented urbanization in the SSA can result in the fragmentation of wetland habitats, impeding species mobility, lowering biodiversity and compromising the wetlands’ capacity to perform as a whole in the landscape (Hadley, 2021). Examples include Ndiaël Basin, and Sakumo Lagoon in Senegal and Ghana, respectively (Agbemehia, 2015; Triplet et al., 2018).

The management and conservation of wetland ecosystems is a crucial element of urbanization in SSA. Urbanization poses significant challenges, especially in developing nations where fast growth has led to the degradation of essential environmental components (Bai et al., 2017; Cobbinah and Finn, 2023; Merem et al., 2018; Osawe and Ojeifo, 2019; Alikhani et al., 2021) described wetlands as elements of the urban landscape that frequently give way to ideas of development and advancement. In SSA, numerous cities were established close to wetlands, which supply water for residential and industrial use. Recently, notable efforts have been made to reclaim some of the lost wetlands in cities such as Addis Ababa and Nakuru, amid the misguided notion that progress should be followed through to its logical end (Kinyariro et al., 2016; Quaye et al., 2022). In a study by Muchelo et al. (2024), cities like Dar Es Salaam and Lusaka have avoided further encroachment on their remaining wetlands. The pressure to prioritize economic development has often led to the destruction or reduction of wetlands, as they are viewed as obstacles to progress (Cobbinah and Poku-Boansi, 2018). This has resulted in the loss of ecosystem services provided by these wetlands, such as water purification, flood regulation and habitat provision for wildlife.

Wetlands in urban SSA offer crucial ecosystem services such as stormwater management, preserving biodiversity, reducing the risk of flooding, acting as material sinks and generating food and energy for human consumption (Anim et al., 2021; Cilliers et al., 2021; Cobbinah et al., 2022; Enu et al., 2022; Nyika and Dinka, 2023). Because of their unique position in urban ecological infrastructure, urban wetlands are referred to as the “city’s kidneys” and the “biodiversity library.” In addition, interacting with these important ecosystems in cities benefits residents’ physical and emotional well-being. Alikhani et al. (2021) indicated that urban wetlands provide a variety of socio-cultural functions, including providing a location for recreation and relaxation for city dwellers. Wetlands provide a wide range of leisure options, such as swimming, hiking, fishing and animal viewing. Since alternative forms of recreation are difficult to substitute, people who visit wetlands for recreational purposes view and highly respect these natural resources (Faccioli et al., 2015). Restoring wetlands not only supports biodiversity but also enhances resilience to climate change, particularly in mitigating urban flooding (Cobbinah and Addaney, 2022; Mensah et al., 2021; Mensah et al., 2025).

Ammoussou et al. (2022) and Näschen (2020) identified several types of wetlands found in SSA, such as mangroves, freshwater marshes, swamps and estuaries. These wetlands have distinct ecological benefits that are crucial for cities. The maintenance of these many wetland formations significantly affects the resilience and sustainability of many cities. Freshwater wetlands, such as marshes and swamps, assist in controlling floods and reduce the risk of flooding in highly populated urban areas by absorbing excess rainfall and runoff (Balwan and Kour, 2021). Groundwater recharge zones are guaranteed to exist since they are vital to the provision of water for urban areas. In addition, wetlands lessen the necessity for cities to spend on expensive water treatment infrastructure by filtering pollutants and enhancing water quality (Stefanakis, 2019). Rezaie et al. (2020) state that mangroves and other coastal wetlands, like estuaries, offer protection against coastal erosion, storm surges and rising sea levels. These ecosystems function as natural barriers along coastlines, protecting cities from the impacts of climate change, including floods and seawater encroachment. Mangroves and other coastal wetlands play a vital role in maintaining marine biodiversity, supporting the fishing and tourism industries and improving the economic sustainability of urban regions (Barbier, 2019; Alikhani et al., 2021) argued that preserving urban wetlands encourages the expansion of green spaces, enhancing the aesthetics, health and recreational opportunities for urban dwellers while sustaining essential ecological functions.

To achieve sustainable urban growth and protect essential natural resources, policymakers and urban planners must incorporate wetland conservation into development initiatives, thereby ensuring prolonged urban expansion alongside wetland preservation. This encompasses enacting laws to protect the environment, creating green spaces and promoting sustainable land use practices. Moreover, the adverse impacts of urbanization can be alleviated by constructing sustainable urban infrastructure, informing the public about the advantages of wetland preservation and engaging local communities in these initiatives. Governments, corporations and civil society organizations need to work together to protect wetlands in SSA cities to encourage sustainable development and safeguard these vital natural resources.

The study seeks to examine how wetlands in SSA countries are affected by urbanization, delving into the causes, effects and patterns of urbanization. The study further identify gaps in the literature to guide future studies. The study confirmed that rapid urbanization in SSA endangers wetlands, critical ecosystems providing multiple social, economic and environmental advantages. Rapid urbanization, fueled by migration, population expansion, economic developments and infrastructure development, causes habitat loss, water pollution and disruptions to natural ecological processes. It is critical to include wetland protection in urban planning and development initiatives to address these issues. Understanding how urbanization affects wetlands allows stakeholders to develop targeted policies that balance urban expansion with environmental stewardship, minimizing biodiversity loss, mitigating flood risks and preserving critical ecosystem functions that support local livelihoods and food security.

Moreso, urban design must include strict regulations that conserve and restore wetlands, making these ecosystems more resilient to climate change while maintaining their critical functions. Governments should include wetland conservation in local and national urban planning frameworks, with strict enforcement to assure compliance. It is important to note that engaging local people in conservation activities is critical to long-term urban growth, and educational projects may promote community stewardship of wetlands.

Based on the systematic review, it is critical for scholars in the field to look at the long-term consequences of urbanization on wetlands, particularly how diverse urbanization patterns affect wetland health, biodiversity and ecosystem services. To secure the long-term usage of wetlands while maintaining their ecological and socioeconomic advantages, scientists, legislators and urban inhabitants must work collaboratively.

The authors would like to thank the reviewers for their valuable insights and suggestions to this article.

Conflict of interest: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval and consent: Approved by Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. The study follows relevant guidelines/regulations.