Geospatial assessment of agricultural land expansion and its impact on biodiversity: A systematic review

Agricultural land expansion remains one of the most significant drivers of biodiversity loss globally. Geospatial approaches among other tools can support researchers in understanding the complex impacts of this loss. This systematic review critically analyzes recent scientific advancements in remote sensing, land-use transitions, climate-smart agriculture, and policy frameworks to assess the relationship between agricultural expansion and biodiversity. Remote sensing technologies – particularly the integration of Sentinel-1 SAR data with deep learning algorithms have shown promises in detecting tropical dry forest disturbances, enhancing near real-time data processing for monitoring land encroachments, though caution is warranted due to limited interpretability and linear assumptions inherent in most of deep learning models, which may not fully capture the complexity of natural ecosystems as fixed deep learning models typically lack the ability to adapt in real-time to new or unforeseen data conditions. Agro ecological systems such as cocoa-based agroforestry emerge as vital buffers against biodiversity erosion by enhancing ecosystem resilience and species richness. However, rewilding efforts, while ecologically beneficial, have revealed unintended conflicts with farming communities, necessitating adaptive management strategies. Globally, agricultural trade and land-use transitions, notably in regions such as Brazil and Ghana, have led to significant habitat fragmentation and biodiversity intactness loss, exposing urgent trade-offs between conservation and food production. Furthermore, climate-smart innovations like digital twin technologies and nitrogen budgeting have improved agricultural efficiency and reduced environmental impacts, although challenges in adoption persist in smallholder systems. Sustainable agriculture, underpinned by land-use and land cover (LULC) monitoring, policy integration, and restoration strategies, offers a pathway for harmonizing productivity with ecological integrity. The review concludes by emphasizing the role of geospatial tools in guiding evidence-based policymaking, advancing sustainable land management, and reconciling biodiversity conservation with food security in an era of global environmental challenges.