A two-stage data envelopment analysis of efficiency of social-ecological systems: Inference from the sub-Saharan African countries

Stress on ecological resources affects the sustainability of the socio-ecological system (SES). Interconnections within SES are involved. Therefore, this study considered indicators that are composite of the interconnections to estimate SES efficiency. We employed the non-parametric benchmarking order-alpha model, from Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), to estimate SES efficiency and alleviate possible intricacies. We evaluated twenty-four Sub-Saharan African (SSA) nations observed from 2000 to 2014. More than half of them were inefficient. An increase in food production and environmental performance is essential for SES efficiency improvement. Quantile regression found that human development (through the lifespan, education, and standard of living) is related to the SES efficiency improvement. The SES efficiency is likely negatively associated with higher values of both female proletariat and carbon emissions. Policymakers should increase the concerted efforts of empowering human capacity and minimize the gender gap within SSA countries to become efficient and fulfill sustainable development goals.

Automated summary

The stress on ecological resources affects the sustainability of the socio-ecological system (SES) which requires employing effective indicators to evaluate SES efficiency. Improving food production, environmental performance, and human development can enhance SES efficiency, while reducing female proletariat and carbon emissions can promote sustainable development.