Bibliometric analysis of Argan (<em>Argania spinosa</em> (L.) Skeels) Research: Scientific Trends and Strategic Directions for Climate-Resilient Ecosystem Management

The argan ecosystem (Argania spinosa) represents a vital agro-silvopastoral system, delivering ecological services and supporting rural livelihoods through high-value products such as oil, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 926 scientific publications to examine the evolution, structure, and gaps in argan-related research. Scientific production accelerated after 1996, during an industrial exploitation period, driven by the emergence of women’s cooperatives, international certifications, and national development programs. Morocco dominates the argan research landscape, benefiting from targeted policy support, international collaborations, and the species’ endemic status. Two major research aspects were identified: the valuation of argan oil, focusing on its chemical and therapeutic properties; and ecological restoration, encompassing genetic diversity, reforestation practices, and climate adaptation strategies. Despite these advancements, critical gaps remain in operational reforestation, assisted migration, post-plantation monitoring, and the integration of ecological modelling. Research remains skewed toward oil valuation, with insufficient attention to long-term forest sustainability under climate change. Future efforts should adopt a multidisciplinary framework that integrates genomics, nursery innovation, biotechnology, molecular genetics, digital monitoring tools, and socio-institutional governance. Research also should emphasize optimizing by-product use, enhancing climate resilience, and promoting gender-equitable, community-based forest management.