Mind the gap: a systematic review on how provisional ecosystem services are linked to human health and wellbeing in Africa

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Abstract Background/Rationale. In spite of the fact that ecosystems are deteriorating and being degraded by humans, there is still a knowledge gap regarding their purpose and benefits to society. Provisioning ecosystem services are vital to both human existence and economic activity throughout Africa, yet the connections between these services and human health and wellbeing remain poorly understood. Objectives. This paper aims to highlight research conducted on provisioning ecosystem services in Africa and their impact on human health and wellbeing over the last three decades (1991–2021). Methods. According to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) approach, PSALSAR was used to identify studies conducted between 1991 and 2021 that examined the value of provisioning ecosystem services. In order to provide a comprehensive view of the existing literature, the paper combined bibliometric analysis with the PRISMA protocol. An analysis of the bibliometric data was visualized using the VOS viewer software. Results. With approximately 70 000 publications on ecosystem services, South Africa is the leading country in Africa in terms of knowledge contribution and analysis. Human health and ecosystem services research focuses primarily on ecosystem services management and zoonotic diseases. A similar approach is taken by researchers studying ecosystem services and human wellbeing in relation to challenges faced by landscapes, ecosystem conservation, biodiversity conservation, and management. Conclusions. The future trends are leaning towards the interconnectedness of social-ecological systems, biodiversity conservation and management, agriculture, and ecosystem function in the provision of ecosystem services.

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