Assessing biodiversity risks in African agriculture for the One Food Risk: A review of research trends through bibliometric analysis

Food systems are central to human well-being and food security, but are also major drivers of biodiversity loss through deforestation, land conversion, monoculture, and intensive agrochemical use. Guided by One Health philosophy and aligned with the One Food Programme, this study assesses biodiversity risks associated with African food systems. A bibliometric and narrative review of nearly 12,000 peer-reviewed studies was conducted to examine research trends, hazards, risks, impacts, and adaptation strategies related to biodiversity and agriculture in Africa. Results show increase on agriculture–biodiversity linkages since 2001, although, African researchers remain underrepresented and geographic coverage is uneven. Research is concentrated on terrestrial systems, while aquatic food systems, including fisheries and aquaculture, receive comparatively limited attention. Biodiversity risks linked to post-production stages of food systems, such as processing and distribution, are poorly studied. The findings further indicate that unsustainable intensification contributes to soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and declining ecosystem services, whereas practices such as agroforestry, intercropping, conservation agriculture, and integrated aquaculture can support resilience and sustainability. The study identifies major research gaps and highlights the need to integrate biodiversity risk indicators into the One Food Risk Tool to support evidence-based policies for sustainable and resilient food systems in Africa.