Improving agriculture and food security in Africa: Can the one health approach be the answer?

The menace of food insecurity precipitated by climate change, zoonotic diseases and natural disasters poses a great threat to the sub-Saharan African region. Promoting food security and sustainable food systems is a priority for enhancing development in Africa. Holistic techniques such as _one health _approach recognises the linkages between the health of people, animals and the environment, and foster collaboration among various disciplines and stakeholders to address complex challenges. This review explored one health as a holistic approach in contributing to improved food security and sustainable food systems in African agriculture. Reviewed studies provided ample evidences demonstrating the robustness of one health approach as a multidisciplinary approach capable of increasing food production while enhancing health and environmental sustainability. The one health approach is not without challenges, however its capacity to encompass education and capacity building, policy formulation and execution, funding, advocacy and collaborations among multiple disciplines, makes it a veritable tool to improving food security and food systems in Africa. Achieving the balance between food production, food security, healthy living, and sustainable utilisation of natural resources in providing for the existing population while preserving the benefits for future generations hinges on integrative actions such as one health approach.