This study presents a systematic literature review (SLR) of climate-compatible agricultural waste management (AWM) strategies that contribute to sustainable land use and climate resilience in South Africa. Using the PRISMA 2020 framework, complemented by bibliographic coupling and thematic clustering, ten peer-reviewed articles published between 2016 and 2022 were analyzed. The synthesis reveals four dominant thematic clusters: (1) organic fertilization and soil health enhancement, (2) bioenergy and circular bioeconomy valorization, (3) Verm technology and biowaste bioconversion, and (4) composting and manure management systems. Approximately 60% of the studies emphasize composting and organic amendments as low-emission, resource-efficient practices that enhance soil carbon storage and improve agroecosystem resilience. Bioenergy innovations including biogas, bioethanol, and biochar, exhibit strong mitigation potential through waste-to-energy pathways, although they face adoption barriers related to capital costs and infrastructure gaps. Emerging trends such as the application of nitrogen-fixing microbes, precision composting, and modular biorefineries suggest new opportunities for ecological circularity and localized value chains. However, empirical gaps persist in quantifying life cycle emissions, economic trade-offs, and region-specific feasibility, limiting evidence-based policy integration. The review underscores the need for climate-informed decision-support tools, spatially explicit techno-economic modeling, and targeted institutional frameworks to scale circular AWM solutions. Overall, findings highlight AWM’s transformative role in advancing South Africa’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).