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Africa’s diverse landscapes, featuring abundant biodiversity, are seminal for agriculture and sustenance of countless livelihoods. The continent stands at a pivotal juncture where the principles of One Health can redefine its trajectory.
Specifically there is interconnectedness of human, animal, and plant health in Africa, highlighting the economic importance of agriculture, and the value of plant health for the wellbeing of the citizens and national economy. Many communities have deep connections to their natural surroundings, relying on the land for sustenance, livestock grazing, and crop cultivation to support their families.
But this vital sector faces significant challenges, including the threats due to pests, diseases, and the looming spectre of climate change, jeopardising crop yields and food security, which are the core of African livelihoods.
While human virus research remains essential for public health in Africa, emerging plant viruses demand attention as well. Some plant viruses possess the potential to cross species barriers, infecting both humans and animals (Balique et al., 2015; Kim et al., 2020). Investing in plant virology research and surveillance systems becomes imperative to prevent epidemics and ensure sustainable crop production.
Holistic research, indigenous wisdom and plant health
Prevention and early detection of plant diseases and pathogens are a prerequisite to conserve (genetic resources) and protect crop varieties while maintaining food security. By acknowledging the interplay between diverse ecosystems, we can create a comprehensive strategy to safeguard plant health on both regional and cross border levels.
Integrated surveillance systems play a pivotal role, enabling early detection and rapid responses to emerging plant health threats. Timely intervention can save crops and livelihoods, ensuring food security for communities as well as reduces the production costs.
A unifying concept approach transcends technology as it bridges the gap between scientific research and traditional wisdom. Indigenous knowledge and traditional farming practices, nurtured for generations, offer valuable insights into preserving plant health. Integrating these time-honoured practices with modern science can unlock novel pathways for sustainable agriculture.
The concept depends on collaboration and knowledge sharing among various stakeholders, including researchers, scientists, farmers, policymakers, and local communities within the regions to facilitate the problem-solving and decision-making processes. They must unite to develop integrated disease management strategies, combining cutting-edge technologies with traditional knowledge. In this context, the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Equal Benefit Sharing of Genetic Resources plays a pivotal role in promoting global multilateral technology transfer, fostering international cooperation, and safeguarding plant resources.
Towards sustainable development goals
The World Health Organization's partnership with the European Virus Archive (EVAg) in the global north, serves as a model for addressing emerging plant viruses. Such initiatives could expand to confront emerging plant viruses, fostering a One Plant Health approach that bridges gaps between plant, human, and animal health research. Collaboration between governments, NGOs, and research institutions across Africa is urgently needed, leading to substantial improvements in plant health. These initiatives bolster community resilience against the vagaries of climate change.
The path to implementing One Health for plants in Africa is not devoid of challenges. Limited resources and infrastructure present formidable obstacles. To surmount these, prioritising interdisciplinary collaboration and capacity building is imperative. Governments must recognize the intrinsic connection between human, animal, and plant health and champion the One Health cause.
Looking ahead, innovation and technology hold vast potential to enhance plant health monitoring and management. Remote sensing, data analytics, and genetic engineering promise crops that are more resilient and more efficient farming practices. This represents a frontier where Africa cannot only catch up but leap ahead, contributing significantly not only to subsistence farming but also to global food security.
However, innovation necessitates investment. This includes investing in research and education through supporting research institutions, offering training to farmers, conducting scientific research that are aimed at protecting, improving and cultivating an innovation-oriented culture in agriculture.
One Health for plant health in Africa paves the way for resilient agriculture, thriving communities, and a sustainable future. This is essential to transform the continent's agricultural landscape, ensuring an independent and healthy future for generations to come.
