Opportunity Crops in Africa:
Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) Research in Action

More than 700 million people globally are undernourished, and child stunting and nutrient deficiencies are widespread. At the same time, global food demand is projected to increase by more than 50% by 2050, while the impacts of climate change are expected to drive down crop productivity. Global food security is further threatened by overreliance on a few staple crops, including maize, wheat, and rice.

Investing in underutilized indigenous and traditional corps can strengthen climate resilience and nutrition across the African continent. A portfolio of these crops is essential for regional food security and can improve local resilience in the face of changing weather patterns.

These new reports include actionable recommendations to boost agricultural productivity and nutrition and advance the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (or “VACS”), a partnership between the African Union (AU), Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the Office of the Special Envoy for Food Security at the U.S. State Department.