Climate-driven disruptions in local food systems and the transmission pathways of food-borne neglected tropical diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review

Abstract

Climate change increasingly disrupts food systems in Sub-Saharan Africa, yet the implications for food-borne neglected tropical disease (NTD) transmission remain poorly synthesised. To map and synthesise evidence on how climate-driven disruptions in local food systems influence transmission pathways of food-borne NTDs in Sub-Saharan Africa. A scoping review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines and five electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and African Journals Online) were searched from inception up till January 31st 2026. Peer-reviewed primary studies examining climate-related disruptions to food systems and food-borne NTD transmission in Sub-Saharan Africa were included. Data were charted and synthesised thematically. Twenty studies were included and five key themes emerged: climate variability as a driver of food system vulnerability; food system stages as critical transmission nodes; behavioural and socioeconomic mediators; zoonotic and environmental interfaces; and structural gaps in surveillance, policy, and interventions. Climate-related stressors consistently disrupted food production, storage, distribution, and preparation, increasing exposure to food-borne NTDs. Climate-driven food system disruptions represent a critical but under-recognised pathway for food-borne NTD transmission. Integrating food system resilience into climate adaptation and NTD control strategies is essential for reducing disease burden in Sub-Saharan Africa.