Abstract
Given the importance of maize and cassava in Nigeria, efforts are constantly made to increase the low maize and cassava productivity (national average of 2.1 and 9 t/ha, respectively) (FAOSTAT, 2018) and safety and expand production. Interventions are needed to raise agricultural productivity, safeguard and add value to crop yields, and improve commodity value chains to enhance employment opportunities, especially among women and youth. There exists improved technologies and innovations to address agricultural constraints including adequate input use such as improved varieties with quality seed being the most basic input, appropriate agronomic/management practices, and knowledge to improve value chains. However, in most cases, these improved technologies are not accessible to farmers. The dissemination and adoption of improved technologies and innovation by smallholder farmers, coupled with youth and gender empowerment activities will not only increase productivity and incomes but also offer more economic opportunities to women and youth in the maize and cassava value chains. This project was proposed on the premise of providing yield productivity and safety enhancing technologies
