Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.3, 124-133 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 129 Figure 2 A diagram of proposed maize ideotype (Adopted from Gong et al., 2015) Image caption: Maize ideotype plants will have improved shoot and roots traits and phenotype, enhanced stress resistance and maintain a high productivity in a changing climate (Adopted from Gong et al., 2015) 6.4 Community-based approaches Community-based approaches are essential for fostering local engagement and ensuring the successful implementation of innovations and sustainable practices. Educational outreach to improve consumer knowledge about the nutritional benefits of maize can drive demand for biofortified varieties, thereby supporting market opportunities for producers. Moreover, addressing the constraints in adopting innovations, such as access to seeds, finance, and education/training, is crucial for empowering communities to enhance their food security (Grote et al., 2021). By involving local communities in the decision-making process and providing them with the necessary resources and knowledge, sustainable and resilient maize agro-food systems can be developed. In conclusion, a multifaceted approach involving technological innovations, sustainable farming methods, supportive policies, and community-based strategies is essential for enhancing the role of maize in global food security and addressing the associated challenges. 7 Case Studies 7.1 Successful maize production systems Successful maize production systems have been identified in various regions, demonstrating the potential for high yields and sustainable practices (Liu et al., 2016). For instance, in China, optimizing the sowing window and selecting appropriate cultivars have shown significant yield improvements under climate change scenarios. By adjusting the sowing date and choosing late-maturing cultivars, maize yields increased by 11.1% to 53.9% under 1.5 °C and 2 °C warming scenarios, respectively. This adaptation strategy highlights the importance of tailored agricultural practices to enhance productivity in the face of global warming (Huang et al., 2020). 7.2 Case analysis of overcoming challenges Overcoming challenges in maize production often involves addressing ecological and socio-economic constraints. In Africa and Asia, maize production is increasingly impaired by land degradation, water scarcity, and climate change (Figure 3) (Zheng et al., 2018). However, innovations such as improved seed varieties, better access to
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