The global food system's reliance on a few species threatens food and nutritionalsecurity. Species diversification, including indigenous species, is a viable optionto address this issue. Diversity enhances food systems' resilience against climaticand economic shocks. It offers resources for improved breeds and allows farm-ers to mitigate risks. However, successful diversification demands collaborationamong farmers, researchers, academics, professionals, retailers, consumers, andpolicymakers. This review analyzes the role of crop species diversity in food sys-tem transformation, focusing on monoculture vulnerabilities, diversificationbenefits, indigenous species' role in nutrition and food security, and the impor-tance of integrated policies and multi-stakeholder collaborations. We advocatefor interdisciplinary research, participatory approaches, and supportive policiesto foster diverse, resilient food systems that ensure food security, biodiversity conservation, and enhanced social well-being amidst global challenges. Whileacknowledging the importance of diversity in animal species for food security,the focus of this review is on crop species diversity and its potential to transformfood systems.