VACS: The Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils Champions Program
The Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) Champions Program recognizes private sector and other non-governmental organizations for undertaking projects committed to developing climate-adapted nutritious crop varieties and building, healthy fertile soils.
WHH is proud to be a champion and partner of The Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) initiative responding to climate change and the global food crisis. Working in 36 countries worldwide across Latin America, Africa, and Asia, WHH implements programs for sustainable and resilient agriculture to reduce hunger and malnutrition. This partnership underscores WHH’s commitment to the VACS integrated approach, with work in several countries already fully aligned to the VACS vision.
For example, in Burundi, Central African Republic, Niger and Sierra Leone, WHH and its partners are working to promote VACS opportunity crops – crops identified as having an especially high potential for nutrition and climate resilience. We are working with farmers to increase production of Orange Flesh Sweet Potato (OFSP), cocoyam, pearl millet, sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), cow peas (Vigna unguiculata) and groundnuts (Arachis hypogea).
Using a value chain approach, we use the market to increase the supply and market demand, from seeds to harvested product, for improved nutrition outcomes for consumers. At the same time, we work with producers to ensure sustainable production methods are adopted, leading to healthier soils and improved resilience to climate challenges such as hotter temperatures and rainfall variations.
Transforming food systems also entails working with local partners to maximize impact and achieve greater sustainability. WHH works with private sector input providers, local civil society organizations, and governments at the local and national level.
VACS, launched in February 2023 by the U.S. Department of State in partnership with the African Union and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN, seeks to foster more resilient food systems through a focus on climate-adapted crops and healthy soils.
As a VACS Champion, WHH will continue to promote the VACS initiative's aims when possible. Learn more about WHH’s work and get involved. We welcome your partnership and support to achieve sustainable and resilient agriculture and improved nutrition outcomes.