Systematic review of agroforestry research targeting fall armyworm, one health and ecosystem services during the last decade in Sub-Saharan region

Abstract

Agroforestry is increasingly promoted as a nature-based solution for addressing pest management as biological fight, ecosystem degradation, and livelihood vulnerability in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, evidence on its effectiveness in managing fall armyworm, (FAW) advancing One Health outcomes, and improving human well-being remains fragmented. This systematic review synthesizes a decade of peer-reviewed literature to evaluate the effects of agroforestry technologies on fall armyworm management, ecosystem services, One Health dimensions in the Sub-Saharan African region. Using the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) protocol, studies published from 2015 to 2026 were systematically identified from major scientific databases. Of the 425 records retrieved, 100 studies met the selection criteria and were analyzed thematically. The review reveals strong and consistent evidence that agroforestry enhances ecosystem services, particularly soil fertility, biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and livelihood diversification in smallholder systems. Income generation and food provisioning benefits are well documented, highlighting agroforestry’s role in strengthening household resilience under climate and economic stress. In contrast, direct empirical evidence linking agroforestry practices to measurable reductions in fall armyworm incidence and crop damage remains limited, with most studies relying on cross-sectional designs and farmer perceptions. Similarly, One Health applications are weakly operationalized, with research largely focused on zoonotic and human-animal health, while plant health, food safety, and environmental pathways receive minimal attention. Overall, the findings expose a significant gap between agroforestry’s multifunctional promise and current evidence base. Advancing sustainable food systems will require longitudinal study and interdisciplinary research that explicitly integrates pest dynamics, ecosystem processes, and human health outcomes to inform policy.