The interview with Cary Fowler, US Special Envoy for Food Security, underscores the urgency of shifting agricultural practices in Africa from monocultures to diverse, traditional crops to address food security and soil fertility challenges. Highlighting Africa's pressing need due to soil degradation and population growth, Fowler emphasizes the significance of promoting resilient agricultural systems based on fertile soils and climate-adapted crops. The Vision for Suitable Crops and Soils (Vacs) program, initiated by the US, aims to support African scientists in breeding traditional crops for increased productivity and resilience, with a focus on combatting issues like childhood stunting. While acknowledging challenges such as convincing farmers and ensuring access to seeds, Fowler stresses the importance of political, financial, and technical support for this transformative shift towards agricultural diversity and farmer-centered solutions.