Human health outcomes of a restored ecological balance in African agro-landscapes

Biodiversity loss and invasive species are exacting negative economic, environmental societal impacts. While the monetary aspects of invasion have been well-assessed, their impacts on human social livelihood outcomes routinely remain obscure. Here, we empirically demonstrate several important health demographic consequences a 1970s pest cassava across sub-Saharan Africa. Pest-induced crop in 18 African countries relying heavily as staple inflicted cascading effects birth rate (?6%) adult mortality (+4%) over span decade. The 1981 scientifically-guided release specialist parasitic wasp Anagyrus lopezi restored yields, thus reconstituting food security these agricultural systems enabling parallel improvements indices. Our analysis shows how performance can influence outcomes, accentuates deliberate efforts to safeguard agro-ecological functions resilience could be during times global change. • Human facets invertebrate ecosystem services rarely assessed. Invasive induce system collapse nutritional deprivation. Biological control fortifies agro-ecosystem functionality security. A balance benefits collective welfare. Resilient, biodiverse farming central well-being.