Southern Nigeria is a major maize-producing region in Africa, with smallholder women farmers playing a crucial role. Climate change poses significant challenges to their livelihoods. The study employs state-of-the-art genetic engineering and phenotypic selection methods to create new maize lines that are tolerant to drought, heat stress, and pests. The development of these resilient maize varieties holds promise for improving food security and economic sustainability in the region, particularly for women farmers. Policy makers should support research funding and provide extension services to ensure these new varieties reach smallholder farmers effectively.
Odukalewa et al. (Fri,) studied this question.