Biodiversity, ecosystems, cultural heritage and the role of local food are taken into account in developing affordable sustainable food for the population. Climate smart crops (also known as future-ready crops) like BGN are climate change resilient crops that can grow on degraded land with minimal water requirements, are nutrient rich, and are economically viable. Besides diversifying nutrients for consumption, BGN will also rejuvenate the country and build the bridge to a sustainable global food system. Consequently, farmers can rehabilitate their land and generate income from otherwise unproductive land. The innovation lies in the food system with activities related to primary and secondary processing, packaging, distribution, and retail. Results include lactose-free, gluten-free, plant-based food ingredients and materials, new food processing techniques, and quality. The result is an improvement in food security and the quality of life of the individual. Climate-smart Bambara groundnut has the potential to improve food and nutrition security while addressing environmental sustainability, food availability and economic inequalities. Speaker: Victoria Jideani, PhD