Video On Demand

The Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS): Keynote Address and Armchair Discussion with Dr. Cary Fowler with Special Remarks from Ambassador Cindy McCain

February 1, 2023 • 10:00 – 11:00 am EST

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African countries are suffering the worst effects of the global food security and global climate crises. Prolonged flooding and droughts diminish agriculture and restrict access to nutritious food across sub-Saharan Africa, home to millions suffering from food insecurity and malnutrition.

In partnership with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and African Union (AU), the U.S. State Department's Office of the Special Envoy for Global Food Security is launching the "Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS)". The VACS initiative will seek to support African farmers, civil society organizations, and governments in their preparation for the continent's food systems challenges posed by climate change. The multiphase VACS initiative will identify the most nutritious crops in each of the African Union's five subregions, assess the challenges climate change is expected to pose to these crops, and seek to boost public and private investments in these crops to prepare them for the anticipated effects of climate change.

How will The Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils contribute to improving food security, nutrition, and soil health systems in Africa, and to addressing the larger global food crisis? What are the steps necessary for VACS to achieve these goals? What are the roles of the AU and FAO, and others, in achieving them? And what long-term impact could VACS have on reducing food insecurity and malnutrition—and addressing climate change—across Africa?

Please join the CSIS Global Food Security Program on February 1 at 10:00am as we welcome the U.S. State Department's Special Envoy for Global Food Security, Dr. Cary Fowler, for a keynote presentation and moderated discussion, with special introductory remarks from Ambassador Cindy McCain, U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN Agencies in Rome.

CSIS is a vaccinated facility. All staff have been fully vaccinated to prevent the spread of Covid-19. We ask that guests be fully vaccinated if attending events onsite to reduce potential risk of exposure in our facility.

This event is made possible through general support.

Contact Information

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Dr. Cary Fowler, U.S. Department of State
Special Envoy for Global Food Security, Office of Global Food Security, U.S. Department of State
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John J. Hamre
CSIS President and CEO, and Langone Chair in American Leadership
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Caitlin Welsh
Director, Global Food and Water Security Program