System Dynamics
Changes, Risks and Responses
Because the African Great Rift brings together very diverse systems (geological, climatic, biological, societal), its dynamics are particularly difficult to grasp. This ambitious challenge notably stems from the delicate integration of data from different disciplines and from concepts or models that are sometimes very far apart. In order to understand the dynamics of these complex systems in an integrated way, we identify two cross-cutting issues:
1 – Mobilities and connectivity in the Rift
The African Great Rift raises the question of mobility and connectivity within systems: what constitutes a barrier? How do mobilities within the Rift affect biological, cultural, and social diversity? Over what time scale do they evolve? What are their patterns? What triggers mobility in the Rift?
2 – Vulnerability, risk, and resilience in the Rift
This aspect will be studied in the context of environmental changes, whether on large spatio-temporal scales (continental and geological), at the regional scale, or through abrupt changes (soil erosion, lava flows, pollution, etc.). How do climate changes impact the Rift’s contrasting environments? Do these impacts weaken the environments or enable specific responses? How does the Rift shape cultures, resources, and how have populations adapted to these changes?
We aim to initiate a process of mediation and dialogue between various stakeholders and disciplines in order to build unique reference frameworks and address shared questions.
GDR Rift Research Areas:
See the directory for contact information of members associated with each research theme.
