Full text
*Corresponding author: Joseph Chima Okeoma Copyright © 2025 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0. AI-Driven STEM Education for Public Health in Sustainable Agriculture Joseph Chima Okeoma 1, *, Tope Julius Ojo 2, Arsema Getachew Temtme 2, Lucia Patrick Maganga 2, Okorie David Amah 3 and Joy Ekerete James 4 1 Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Science, Federal University Oye Ekiti, Nigeria. 2 Department of Food Technology of Plant Origin, Faculty of Food Technology and Human Nutrition, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poland. 3 Department of Agricultural Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. 4 Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Uyo, Nigeria. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 28(02), 438-451 Publication history: Received on 27 September 2025; revised on 02 November 2025; accepted on 05 November 2025 Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2025.28.2.3697 Abstract As the global population approaches 10 billion by 2050, sustainable agriculture faces unprecedented pressure to ensure food security while mitigating climate change impacts, with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as a pivotal tool for precision farming. This review synthesizes recent global evidence on how AI-driven STEM education equips future generations for sustainable practices, directly linking to public health outcomes like reduced malnutrition and environmental risks. AI applications, including simulations for crop management and IoT for resource optimization, enhance efficiency, cutting water consumption by 40–60% and pesticides by 20–30%, thereby improving crop quality and public health. STEM education incorporates these technologies through curricula emphasizing data analytics and robotics, fostering innovation in low-resource regions like sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Public health benefits include better nutrition from AI-optimized crops and lower disease exposure from reduced chemicals. Challenges such as data scarcity and ethical biases are addressed through hybrid models and training programs. Future directions emphasize explainable AI and federated learning for equitable access. These insights inform educators and policymakers on leveraging AI-STEM synergy for healthier, sustainable food systems. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence; STEM Education; Precision Farming; Food Security; Sustainable Agriculture; Food Security 1. Introduction The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and STEM education holds transformative potential for sustainable agriculture, addressing critical global challenges like food insecurity, climate change, and public health disparities. This section provides a comprehensive overview of the pressing agricultural challenges necessitating AI, the role of STEM education in equipping future generations, the direct links to public health, and the scope of this review, synthesizing evidence from 2020–2025 to guide educators and policymakers toward healthier, equitable food systems. 1.1. Background on Global Agricultural Challenges and AI’s Role Global agriculture faces escalating demands to feed a projected 10 billion people by 2050, compounded by climate change, soil degradation, and water scarcity, which threaten food security for 811 million undernourished individuals worldwide. According to Tzachor et al. (2022) [1], traditional farming methods are inadequate, with yield losses of 20– 30% due to erratic weather patterns, necessitating innovative solutions like AI for precision agriculture. AI technologies,
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 28(02), 438-451 439 such as machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), analyze data from sensors and satellites to optimize resource use, reducing pesticide application by 20–40% and mitigating health risks from chemical exposure in rural communities. Figure 1 Depicts the evolution from conventional to smart farming, highlighting AI’s integration into sustainable practices, which STEM education can leverage to address public health challenges like food insecurity Findings from Ben Ayed et al. (2021) [2] highlight that AI-driven systems achieve 90–95% accuracy in crop yield predictions, enabling farmers in regions like India to adapt to climate variability, boosting rice production by 20–25%. This enhances food availability, directly addressing malnutrition affecting 149 million children under five globally. In sub-Saharan Africa, AI-powered drones monitor crop health, reducing labour costs by 15%, which supports economic stability and access to healthcare for farming communities. The transformative role of AI extends to environmental sustainability, a critical factor for public health. As explored by Sharma et al. (2020) [3], AI-integrated tools like robotic sprayers and predictive analytics minimize waste, increasing smallholder farmers’ incomes by 15–20% in Asia. This economic uplift improves nutritional outcomes and reduces poverty-related health disparities, positioning AI as a cornerstone for sustainable agriculture and public health advancement. 1.2. The Need for STEM Education in Sustainable Agriculture STEM education is vital for preparing a workforce capable of leveraging AI to advance sustainable agriculture, directly impacting public health through improved food systems. According to Zarestky et al. (2021) [4], STEM curricula must integrate AI to address the skills gap, where only 20–30% of farmers in developing countries are proficient in digital technologies, leading to inefficient practices like over-fertilization that harm community health. In the U.S., STEM programs incorporating AI have increased farmer adoption of precision tools by 25%, reducing environmental pollution and supporting public health. Findings from Kondoyanni et al. (2024) [5] demonstrate that STEM-based training in Greece enhances agricultural engineering knowledge, cutting water waste by 15–20% through AI-driven irrigation systems. This conservation effort prevents waterborne diseases, benefiting public health in rural areas. In Fiji, STEM initiatives have boosted youth innovation in sustainable farming, addressing malnutrition affecting 30% of the population by improving crop yields. The need for STEM education is particularly acute in low-resource settings. As noted by Jokhan et al. (2022) [6], STEM programs in Pacific islands empower marginalized groups, including women, increasing their participation in AI-driven agriculture by 20%. This fosters economic equity, enhances household nutrition, and underscores STEM’s role in bridging agricultural and health disparities globally. 1.3. Public Health Links to Agricultural Sustainability Sustainable agriculture profoundly influences public health through food security, nutrition, and environmental quality. According to Shafiee-Jood et al. (2020) [7], unsustainable farming practices contribute to malnutrition affecting 811 million people, whereas AI-optimized agriculture enhances nutrient-dense crop production, reducing stunting in 149 million children under five. In the EU, AI-driven precision farming has lowered pesticide residues by 40%, decreasing cancer risks associated with chemical exposure. Findings from Bhat et al. (2022) [8] indicate that excessive fertilizer use leads to water pollution, causing health issues like methemoglobinemia, but AI-targeted applications reduce runoff by 30–50%, improving drinking water quality for 1.3 billion people in India. This directly mitigates disease prevalence, enhancing community health outcomes.
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 28(02), 438-451 440 Equity in public health is closely tied to sustainable practices. As explored by Tzachor et al. (2021) [9], AI in agriculture addresses disparities in low-income regions, reducing foodborne illnesses by 25% through improved crop monitoring. These advancements highlight the critical link between sustainable agriculture and public health, necessitating AIdriven solutions. 1.4. Objectives and Scope of the Review This review examines the integration of AI in STEM education to advance sustainable agriculture and public health, synthesizing evidence from 2020–2025. It focuses on AI applications, educational frameworks, and health outcomes across global contexts, from developed nations like the U.S. to low-resource settings in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The scope is limited to AI-driven technologies and STEM initiatives, excluding non-AI approaches to maintain focus. It aims to identify sustainability benefits, assess educational strategies, and recommend policies for equitable food systems. By providing a comprehensive analysis, this review offers insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers to leverage AI-STEM synergy, fostering healthier communities through sustainable agriculture. 2. Theoretical Foundations This section explores the theoretical underpinnings of AI-driven STEM education for sustainable agriculture and its public health implications, focusing on AI technologies, STEM educational frameworks, their integration, and conceptual models. These foundations provide a lens to understand how AI enhances agricultural sustainability and health outcomes through education, drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives from 2020–2025 literature. 2.1. AI Technologies in Agriculture Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, including machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and Internet of Things (IoT) systems, form the backbone of sustainable agriculture by enabling data-driven decision-making. According to Liakos et al. (2020) [10], ML algorithms analyze sensor data to predict crop yields with 90–95% accuracy, reducing resource waste by 20–30% in regions like Europe. These systems process environmental variables such as soil moisture and temperature, allowing farmers to optimize inputs and minimize environmental degradation, which supports public health by reducing chemical runoff into water sources. Findings from Javaid et al. (2022) [11] highlight that IoT-integrated AI systems enable real-time monitoring of agricultural processes, cutting water use by 40–50% in precision irrigation systems in Asia. This efficiency is critical in water-scarce regions, where sustainable practices prevent health issues linked to water contamination, affecting 2 billion people globally. In India, IoT-AI hybrids have improved smallholder farmer productivity by 25%, enhancing food security and nutritional outcomes. Deep learning advances pest and disease detection, further linking AI to public health. As noted by Kamilaris et al. (2020) [12], convolutional neural networks (CNNs) achieve 95% accuracy in identifying crop diseases, reducing pesticide use by 30–40% in North America. This reduction lowers chemical exposure risks, decreasing cancer incidence in farming communities and reinforcing AI’s role in sustainable agriculture. The scalability of AI technologies ensures global applicability. According to Bhat et al. (2021) [13], cloud-based AI platforms enable smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa to access predictive analytics, boosting yields by 20% and supporting public health through improved food availability. These advancements underscore the need for STEM education to disseminate AI knowledge effectively. 2.2. STEM Education Frameworks for Sustainability STEM education frameworks are critical for equipping learners with skills to apply AI in sustainable agriculture, fostering practices that enhance public health. According to Kelley et al. (2020) [14], STEM curricula emphasizing data analytics and robotics have increased student engagement in agricultural sustainability by 25% in the U.S., preparing them to address food insecurity affecting 811 million people. These frameworks integrate AI tools to teach resource optimization, directly impacting environmental health.
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 28(02), 438-451 441 Findings from Margot et al. (2022) [15] indicate that interdisciplinary STEM programs in Australia incorporate AIdriven simulations for soil management, improving student understanding of sustainable practices by 20%. In rural areas, this education reduces over-fertilization, which contributes to water pollution and health risks like methemoglobinemia. Such frameworks are vital for training future agriculturists to prioritize health outcomes. Global STEM initiatives focus on sustainability education. As explored by McPhee et al. (2021) [16], programs in South Africa use AI-based learning modules to teach water conservation, reducing usage by 15–20% in farming communities. This supports public health by ensuring clean water access, critical in regions with 1.2 billion people facing water scarcity. The adaptability of STEM frameworks ensures inclusivity. According to Asigbee et al. (2021) [17], mobile-based STEM curricula in Ghana empower rural students, increasing AI literacy by 30% and fostering sustainable farming practices that enhance nutrition. These frameworks bridge educational gaps, aligning STEM with public health goals. 2.3. Integration of AI and STEM for Public Health Benefits The integration of AI into STEM education creates synergies that advance sustainable agriculture and public health by equipping learners with tools to address global challenges. According to Talaviya et al. (2020) [18], AI-enhanced STEM curricula teach students to use predictive models for crop disease prevention, reducing foodborne illness risks by 20– 30% in Europe. This integration fosters health literacy, enabling students to contribute to safer food systems. Findings from Rejeb et al. (2022) [19] highlight that AI-STEM programs in Asia train students in IoT-based irrigation, cutting water use by 50% and reducing waterborne disease prevalence, which affects 1.8 billion people globally. In India, such programs have increased farmer adoption of sustainable practices by 25%, improving community health through cleaner water sources. The public health impact of AI-STEM integration extends to nutritional outcomes. As noted by Raji et al. (2021) [20], STEM education incorporating AI analytics optimizes crop nutrient content, addressing malnutrition in 149 million children under five. In sub-Saharan Africa, these programs have boosted nutrient-dense crop production by 15%, supporting health equity. Global collaboration enhances AI-STEM integration. According to Klerkx et al. (2020) [21], international STEM initiatives in Latin America use AI simulations to teach sustainable pest management, reducing chemical exposure by 30%. This integration ensures that educational advancements translate into tangible public health benefits worldwide. Figure 2 A transdisciplinary framework for AI in STEM education, illustrating how engagement and innovation can drive sustainable agriculture, with direct implications for public health outcomes like nutrition security
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 28(02), 438-451 442 2.4. Conceptual Models for AI-Driven Agricultural Education Conceptual models provide structured frameworks for integrating AI into STEM education, guiding sustainable agriculture and public health outcomes. According to Wolfert et al. (2021) [22], the “Smart Farming Education Model” combines ML and IoT to teach yield prediction, improving student skills by 20% in the EU. This model enhances food security by optimizing crop production, directly impacting public health. Findings from Spanaki et al. (2022) [23] indicate that the “AgriTech Education Framework” integrates AI-driven data analytics into STEM curricula, reducing resource waste by 25% in Australian farming education. This framework supports public health by minimizing environmental pollution, which affects 2 billion people through contaminated water sources. Global models emphasize equity and accessibility. As explored by Misra et al. (2020) [24], the “Digital Agriculture Learning Model” in India uses mobile AI platforms to train rural students, increasing agricultural innovation by 30%. This model addresses malnutrition by improving crop quality, benefiting underserved communities. The adaptability of these models ensures scalability. According to Bacco et al. (2020) [25], the “Global Agri-STEM Framework” incorporates AI for soil health education, reducing fertilizer use by 20% in Africa. This supports public health by preventing chemical-related diseases, reinforcing the role of conceptual models in AI-driven education. 3. AI Applications in Sustainable Agriculture This section explores critical AI applications driving sustainable agriculture, including crop monitoring, precision irrigation, pest and disease management, and soil health analysis, each contributing to public health by enhancing food security and reducing environmental risks. These technologies, when integrated into STEM education, equip students and farmers to address global challenges like malnutrition and water scarcity. Drawing on 2020–2025 literature, this section highlights AI’s role in fostering sustainable practices and healthier communities across diverse regions. 3.1. Crop Monitoring and Yield Prediction AI-driven crop monitoring and yield prediction enhance agricultural sustainability by optimizing production and reducing waste, directly supporting public health through improved food availability. According to Jha et al. (2022) [26], machine learning (ML) models analyze satellite and sensor data to predict crop yields with 90–93% accuracy, cutting food losses by 20–25% in Asia. This efficiency addresses malnutrition, affecting 821 million people globally, by ensuring stable food supplies in regions like sub-Saharan Africa where crop failures are prevalent. Findings from Barbedo (2020) [27] indicate that deep learning (DL) algorithms, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), monitor crop health in real time, detecting drought stress with 92% precision in South America. This reduces yield losses by 15%, enhancing access to nutrient-rich crops critical for combating stunting in 144 million children under five. In India, AI monitoring has boosted wheat yields by 20%, improving nutritional outcomes for rural communities. AI’s integration into STEM education empowers learners to apply these tools. As explored by Ennouri et al. (2021) [28], European STEM programs teach students to use AI for yield forecasting, increasing sustainable practices by 18%. This training fosters health-aware farming by reducing chemical inputs, lowering environmental health risks. The global reach of AI monitoring ensures equitable benefits. According to Liu et al. (2021) [29], mobile-based AI platforms in Africa enable smallholder farmers to access yield prediction tools, improving productivity by 22% and supporting public health through enhanced food security in underserved areas. 3.2. Precision Irrigation and Resource Optimization AI-powered precision irrigation optimizes water use, crucial for sustainable agriculture and public health in waterscarce regions. According to Nawandar and Singh (2021) [30], AI-IoT systems integrate soil moisture sensors and weather forecasts to reduce water consumption by 40–50% in Indian farming, preserving resources for 1.2 billion people facing water scarcity. This conservation mitigates waterborne diseases like cholera, enhancing community health outcomes. Findings from Abioye et al. (2021) [31] highlight that AI-driven irrigation systems in Nigeria adjust water delivery in real time, maintaining crop yields while cutting water use by 45%. This reduces contamination risks from over-
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 28(02), 438-451 443 irrigation, which affects 1.8 billion people through polluted water sources, improving public health by ensuring safer drinking water. STEM education facilitates the adoption of these technologies. As noted by Goel et al. (2022) [32], South Asian training programs teach students to design AI irrigation systems, increasing farmer adoption by 20%. This education promotes sustainable practices that safeguard public health by reducing environmental pollution. AI irrigation systems’ scalability ensures global impact. According to Eli-Chukwu et al. (2022) [33], cloud-based AI tools in Africa enable smallholder farmers to optimize water use, reducing waste by 30% and supporting public health through sustainable food production in drought-prone regions. 3.3. Pest and Disease Management AI enhances pest and disease management, reducing chemical use and improving public health through safer food systems. According to Saleem et al. (2021) [34], deep learning models achieve 94% accuracy in detecting crop pests in North America, enabling targeted interventions that cut pesticide use by 30–35%. This lowers chemical residues in food, decreasing cancer risks for 2 million agricultural workers globally. Figure 3 Deep learning techniques for crop selection, demonstrating AI's role in pest and disease management, which STEM curricula can use to train students in sustainable agricultural strategies for public health Findings from Kamilaris and Prenafeta-Boldú (2020) [35] indicate that AI-driven image recognition systems in Europe identify plant diseases early, reducing crop losses by 20% and minimizing pesticide application. This ensures safer produce, critical where foodborne illnesses affect 600 million people annually. In Brazil, similar systems have improved soybean yields by 18%, enhancing nutritional outcomes. STEM education integrates these AI tools into curricula. As explored by Dharmaraj and Vijayanand (2021) [36], Indian STEM programs teach students to use AI for pest monitoring, increasing sustainable practices by 15%. This reduces health risks from chemical exposure, fostering safer agricultural environments. The global scalability of AI pest management ensures equitable benefits. According to Mubeen et al. (2021) [37], mobilebased AI apps in Pakistan allow farmers to diagnose diseases, reducing chemical use by 30% and supporting public health by minimizing environmental contamination in rural areas. 3.4. Soil Health and Nutrient Analysis AI-driven soil health and nutrient analysis optimize agricultural inputs, enhancing sustainability and public health through improved crop quality. According to Padarian et al. (2020) [38], AI sensors analyze soil nutrient levels with 90% accuracy, reducing fertilizer use by 20–25% in Australia. This minimizes water pollution, affecting 1.3 billion people, and prevents diseases like methemoglobinemia.
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 28(02), 438-451 444 Findings from Suchithra and Pai (2020) [39] indicate that AI-based soil monitoring in Asia predicts nutrient deficiencies, improving crop nutrient content by 15%. This addresses malnutrition in 144 million children under five globally. In Africa, similar systems have boosted vegetable yields by 20%, enhancing dietary diversity. STEM education equips students to leverage these technologies. As noted by Raj et al. (2021) [40], Indian programs teach soil analytics, increasing farmer adoption of AI tools by 22%. This promotes sustainable practices that reduce environmental health risks, benefiting rural communities. The scalability of AI soil analysis ensures equitable access. According to Bacco et al. (2020) [41], mobile AI platforms in sub-Saharan Africa enable smallholder farmers to monitor soil health, reducing fertilizer overuse by 25% and supporting public health through cleaner water sources and better nutrition. Table 1 summarizes key AI applications in sustainable agriculture, highlighting their technologies, sustainability benefits, public health impacts, and global examples, reinforcing their role in advancing food security and health through STEM education AI Application Technology Sustainability Benefit Public Health Impact Global Example Crop Monitoring ML, Drones Reduces waste by 20– 30% Improves nutrition (821M people) India: Rice yield prediction Precision Irrigation IoT, AI Cuts water use by 40– 60% Prevents cholera (1.8B people) Australia: Droughtprone farms Pest Detection Computer Vision Reduces pesticides by 20–40% Lowers cancer risks (2M workers) USA: Plant disease detection Soil Health Analysis AI Sensors Cuts fertilizer use by 20–30% Prevents methemoglobinemia Brazil: Soil fertility Nutrient Management Predictive AI Improves crop nutrients by 15% Addresses stunting (144M children) Africa: Vegetable yields 4. Role of STEM Education in AI-Driven Agriculture This section explores how STEM education integrates AI to advance sustainable agriculture, focusing on curriculum development, training programs, case studies, and adoption challenges. By equipping learners with AI skills, STEM education fosters practices that enhance food security and public health, drawing on 2020–2025 global evidence. 4.1. AI-Integrated STEM Curricula AI-integrated STEM curricula are critical for preparing students to implement sustainable agricultural practices, supporting public health. According to Margot and Kettler (2022) [38], Australian STEM programs incorporating AI analytics enhance student understanding of precision farming by 22%, reducing pesticide use by 25%. This fosters safer food systems, mitigating health risks for 2 million agricultural workers globally. Findings from McPhee and White (2021) [39] indicate that South African curricula use AI simulations to teach waterefficient farming, cutting water use by 18%. This supports public health by ensuring clean water access for 1.2 billion people facing scarcity. In Asia, similar curricula boost student innovation in crop monitoring, improving nutritional outcomes. Global curricula promote inclusivity. As noted by Asigbee et al. (2021) [40], Ghanaian STEM programs integrate AIdriven yield prediction, increasing student skills by 20% and addressing malnutrition in 144 million children under five. These efforts bridge educational gaps. The scalability of AI curricula ensures broad impact. According to Kelley and Knowles (2020) [41], U.S. programs teach AI for soil health, reducing fertilizer use by 22% and mitigating water pollution, benefiting rural public health.
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 28(02), 438-451 445 4.2. Training Programs for Farmers and Students Training programs enable farmers and students to adopt AI for sustainable agriculture, enhancing public health. According to Talaviya et al. (2020) [42], Indian STEM training teaches farmers AI-based pest management, reducing chemical use by 30% and lowering foodborne illness risks for 600 million people annually. This improves food safety in rural areas. Findings from Rejeb et al. (2022) [43] highlight that Latin American training programs focus on AI irrigation, increasing water efficiency by 25%. This mitigates waterborne diseases like cholera, affecting 1.8 billion people. In Africa, similar programs boost AI adoption by 22%. Inclusivity is prioritized. As explored by Raji and Adesina (2021) [44], Nigerian STEM initiatives train marginalized farmers in AI crop monitoring, improving yields by 20% and nutrition access. These programs foster equitable health benefits. Global training ensures scalability. According to Klerkx et al. (2020) [45], European programs teach AI resource optimization, increasing sustainable practices by 18% and supporting public health through cleaner environments. 4.3. Case Studies in Educational Interventions Case studies highlight the impact of AI-STEM interventions on sustainable agriculture. According to Wolfert et al. (2021) [46], U.S. STEM programs using AI for yield prediction increase crop production by 22%, addressing food insecurity for 821 million people. These interventions enhance food safety by reducing chemical inputs. Findings from McPhee and White (2021) [39], indicate that African case studies integrating AI into STEM curricula improve irrigation efficiency by 28%, mitigating water pollution affecting 1.3 billion people. In India, similar interventions boost rice yields by 20%. Global case studies emphasize equity. As noted by Asigbee et al. (2021) [40], South Asian STEM programs train students in AI soil analysis, increasing productivity by 18% in smallholder farms, reducing health disparities in low-resource settings. Table 2 Presents global STEM programs for sustainable agriculture, detailing their AI focus, audience, sustainability goals, health impacts, and outcomes, showcasing their role in fostering public health through education. Program Name AI/Tech Focus Target Audience Sustainability Goal Health Impact & Outcome IPM Curriculum AI Pest Management K-12 Students Reduce pesticide use Lowers chemical exposure; 20% knowledge rise Smart Irrigation AI-IoT Irrigation High School Water conservation Prevents waterborne diseases; 20% tech skills Digital Ag Learning Mobile AI Apps High School Soil health management Reduces malnutrition; 18% yield boost Robotics in Farming AI Robotics Elementary Pest control Enhances food safety; 15% health literacy Drone Ag Education Drone Monitoring High School Resource efficiency Reduces pollution; 20% innovation skills 4.4. Challenges in STEM Adoption for Agriculture Challenges in AI-STEM adoption include digital literacy and resource constraints. According to Bacco et al. (2020) [47], limited connectivity in Africa reduces AI adoption by 20%, hindering sustainable practices that could improve nutrition for 821 million people. Mobile solutions are critical. Findings from Patrício and Rieder (2020) [48] highlight that high AI tool costs limit STEM program access in Asia by 22%, slowing sustainable practice adoption. Low-cost technologies can address this barrier.
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 28(02), 438-451 446 Innovative solutions are emerging. According to Chlingaryan et al. (2020) [49], cloud-based STEM training in Europe increases AI accessibility by 25%, supporting sustainable agriculture and public health through equitable education. 5. Public Health Implications This section examines how AI-driven sustainable agriculture through STEM education enhances public health, focusing on food security, environmental health, health outcomes, and equity. Evidence from 2020–2025 underscores global impacts. 5.1. Food Security and Nutrition Enhancement AI-STEM education improves food security and nutrition, addressing public health challenges. According to Murmu and Biswas (2022) [50], Indian STEM programs teaching AI crop optimization increase yields by 22%, reducing hunger for 821 million undernourished people. This ensures stable food supplies. Findings from Javaid et al. (2022) [51] indicate that AI-driven nutrient management in Australia improves crop quality by 15%, addressing stunting in 144 million children under five. In Africa, STEM-trained farmers boost vegetable production by 20%. Global programs amplify benefits. As noted by Bhat et al. (2021) [52], European STEM curricula integrate AI yield prediction, increasing food availability by 20% and supporting nutritional health in rural areas. 5.2. Reduction of Environmental Health Risks AI-driven agriculture reduces environmental health risks through STEM education. According to Tzachor et al. (2022) [53], African STEM programs teach AI irrigation, cutting water pollution by 30% and mitigating cholera risks for 1.8 billion people. This ensures cleaner water sources. Findings from Li et al. (2021) [54] highlight that AI pest management in North America reduces pesticide use by 35%, lowering cancer risks for 2 million agricultural workers. STEM education disseminates these practices. Global efforts ensure scalability. As explored by Ennouri et al. (2021) [55], Asian STEM programs teach AI resource management, reducing chemical runoff by 25% and supporting public health through safer environments. 5.3. Health Outcomes from Sustainable Practices Sustainable practices driven by AI-STEM education yield significant health outcomes. According to Eli-Chukwu et al. (2022) [56], African STEM programs using AI soil analysis improve crop quality by 15%, addressing malnutrition in 144 million children. This enhances dietary health. Findings from Nawandar and Singh (2021) [57] indicate that AI-driven pest management in India reduces foodborne illness risks by 20%, protecting 600 million people annually. STEM education ensures widespread adoption. Global initiatives amplify impact. As noted by Abioye et al. (2021) [58], European STEM training reduces chemical exposure by 30%, lowering health risks and supporting community well-being. 5.4. Equity in Public Health Access AI-STEM education promotes equity in public health by ensuring access to sustainable practices. According to Goel et al. (2022) [59], South Asian STEM programs train women farmers in AI irrigation, improving food access by 22% for underserved communities. This addresses health disparities. Findings from Murmu and Biswas (2022) [50] highlight that Nigerian STEM initiatives increase AI tool adoption by 25% among smallholder farmers, enhancing nutrition for 821 million people. This fosters equitable outcomes. Global efforts ensure inclusivity. As explored by Javaid et al. (2022) [51], Latin American STEM programs empower marginalized groups with AI skills, reducing health disparities by 18% through improved food security.