Highlights:

The document outlines the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) Research, which aims to promote the use of "opportunity crops" and improved soil health practices in developing countries. The research findings presented in the document can be summarized as follows:

1. Opportunity crops can create more climate-resilient local, national, and regional agricultural systems. Climate-crop models developed by the Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project (AgMIP) indicate that some cereal crops, such as maize, are projected to decrease in productivity in most areas of Africa and are projected to see the largest relative yield losses of all cereals modeled. A variety of cereal crops, including fonio, teff, sorghum, and pearl millet, show greater potential for climate resilience.

2. Encouraging the consumption of nutritious opportunity crops can contribute to healthier diets. The research highlights the potential of opportunity crops to improve nutrient composition and dietary quality, particularly in regions with high levels of malnutrition and food insecurity.

3. Investing in opportunity crops can help distribute economic resources more equitably to smallholder farmers. By diversifying crop production, farmers may be better equipped to cope with climate change and other challenges, potentially leading to increased income and reduced poverty.

4. Promoting opportunity crops and improved soil health practices can increase biodiversity and create more food-secure and resilient agricultural systems. Diversification of crops can help reduce the risk of crop failures and increase the overall resilience of agricultural systems.

5. Opportunity crops and improved soil health practices can create opportunities for governments and institutions to broaden their food system agendas. By investing in research, development, and promotion of opportunity crops, policymakers can help create more diverse, sustainable, and nutritious food systems.

The document also provides evidence-based recommendations for strengthening policy and regulatory environments, improving coordination and collaboration among researchers and stakeholders, and increasing consumer demand and awareness of opportunity crops.

In summary, the VACS research highlights the potential benefits of promoting opportunity crops and improved soil health practices in developing countries, including increased climate resilience, improved nutrition, more equitable economic distribution, increased biodiversity, and the potential for broader food system agendas.

[Text generated by GPT@JRC using Generative AI technology]