Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Agriculture and Food Production Systems in Africa: A Systematic Review.

Stephen E Mshana,Calvin Sindato,Leonard E G Mboera,Mecky I Matee

doi:10.3390/antibiotics10080976

Abstract

In Africa, there is dearth of information on antimicrobial use (AMU) in agriculture and food production systems and its consequential resistance in pathogens that affect animal, human and environmental health. Data published between 1980 and 2021 on the magnitude of AMU and AMR in agriculture and food productions systems in Africa were reviewed. Data from 13–27 countries in Africa indicate that 3558–4279 tonnes of antimicrobials were used in animals from 2015 to 2019. Tetracyclines and polypeptides contributed the largest proportion of antimicrobials used. Cattle and poultry production account for the largest consumption of antimicrobials in Africa. Although limited studies have reported AMR in crops, fish and beekeeping, AMR from a variety of farm animals has been substantially documented in Africa. Some countries in Africa have developed policies/plans to address AMU and AMR in agriculture and food production systems; however, their enforcement is challenged by weak regulations. In conclusion, although there is limited information on the quantities of antimicrobials used in agriculture and food production system, the levels of AMR are high. There is a need to strengthen regulatory authorities with a capacity to monitor AMU in agriculture and food production systems in Africa.

Highlights

Increases in human populations in Africa have triggered an increase in demand for food from agricultural and animal products
The findings of this review indicate that the antimicrobial use (AMU) to control plant diseases as well as the use of manure and waste water for irrigation and contamination during harvesting, transportation and processing have been associated with developments and increases in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in crop production in Africa
This review found no study across Africa that reported data on antimicrobial consumption in plants, types of antimicrobial used, and the quantity used

Summary

Introduction

Increases in human populations in Africa have triggered an increase in demand for food from agricultural and animal products. The increase in population is in tandem with the demand for food products. More agricultural and livestock products need to be produced to cater for economic, social and dietary demand [2]. Intensive production has been widely practiced by both smalland large-scale producers, because it has been considered to be a more profitable way of ensuring animal welfare and a solution for food security worldwide [5]. Intensive animal production has been implicated with the development and spread of zoonotic diseases, environmental change resulting from pressure on natural resources and change in livelihoods [4,5]

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion