Socio-ecological Dynamics of Inland Valley Swamp Development and Malaria Transmission in Northern Sierra Leone: A Scoping Review

{ "background": "Inland valley swamps (IVS) are critical agro-ecosystems for rice cultivation in sub-Saharan Africa, yet their development alters local hydrology and ecology, potentially influencing malaria transmission dynamics. The socio-ecological interplay between agricultural intensification in these wetlands and vector-borne disease risk in adjacent communities remains inadequately synthesised, particularly for the Northern Region.", "purpose and objectives": "This scoping review aims to map and synthesise existing evidence on the socio-ecological linkages between IVS rice development and malaria incidence in the Northern Region's farming communities, identifying key knowledge gaps and proposed intervention pathways.", "methodology": "The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute framework. A systematic search of peer-reviewed and grey literature was conducted across multiple electronic databases. Studies were screened and charted by two independent reviewers. Data were analysed thematically, and a socio-ecological systems framework guided the synthesis. The relationship between environmental covariates and malaria incidence was modelled using a generalised linear mixed model of the form $\\log(E(Y{it})) = \\beta0 + \\beta1 X{1it} + ... + ui + \\epsilon{it}$, where $u_i$ represents random effects for study location.", "findings": "The available evidence, while limited, consistently indicates a positive association between IVS development and increased malaria vector breeding habitats, though the strength of association shows considerable heterogeneity (95% confidence intervals for key parameters frequently cross zero). A prominent theme is the modification of larval habitat persistence and Anopheles species composition. One study reported a 30-50% higher vector density in developed versus undeveloped swamps during the rainy season.", "conclusion": "IVS development creates a complex trade-off between food security and disease burden, mediated by specific water management practices and local ecological context. The evidence base is fragmented, with a notable lack of longitudinal, interdisciplinary studies quantifying the direct health impacts.", "recommendations": "Future research must integrate entomological, epidemiological, and socio