This article discusses the concept of scale mismatches in social-ecological systems, where the scale of management does not align with the scale of ecological processes, leading to inefficiencies and disruptions in the system. Scale mismatches occur when the scale of environmental variation and the scale of social organization responsible for management are misaligned, causing problems in the functioning of the social-ecological system. These mismatches can arise from changes in social, ecological, or social-ecological processes and can have significant consequences for the resilience of the system. The article explores the causes and consequences of scale mismatches, including spatial, temporal, and functional mismatches, and discusses how they can be resolved through institutional changes and social learning. It also highlights the importance of aligning management scales with ecological processes to ensure effective resource management and sustainability. The article provides examples from southern Africa and the southern United States to illustrate these concepts. The resolution of scale mismatches requires a multi-level approach, including the development of flexible institutions and the adaptation of management practices to the scales at which ecological processes occur. The article concludes that scale mismatches are a complex issue that requires careful consideration of social, ecological, and institutional factors to achieve effective management and sustainability.This article discusses the concept of scale mismatches in social-ecological systems, where the scale of management does not align with the scale of ecological processes, leading to inefficiencies and disruptions in the system. Scale mismatches occur when the scale of environmental variation and the scale of social organization responsible for management are misaligned, causing problems in the functioning of the social-ecological system. These mismatches can arise from changes in social, ecological, or social-ecological processes and can have significant consequences for the resilience of the system. The article explores the causes and consequences of scale mismatches, including spatial, temporal, and functional mismatches, and discusses how they can be resolved through institutional changes and social learning. It also highlights the importance of aligning management scales with ecological processes to ensure effective resource management and sustainability. The article provides examples from southern Africa and the southern United States to illustrate these concepts. The resolution of scale mismatches requires a multi-level approach, including the development of flexible institutions and the adaptation of management practices to the scales at which ecological processes occur. The article concludes that scale mismatches are a complex issue that requires careful consideration of social, ecological, and institutional factors to achieve effective management and sustainability.