RUSEP is the latest attempt by the federal government of Nigeria to alleviate poverty through the transfer of market-driven agricultural technology to farmers and the commercialization of agriculture in selected states in Nigeria. Through this project, employment will be generated through enhanced agricultural enterprises. Abia state in the south East was chosen as one of the pilot states. The needs assessment study provides information on existing and available improved technologies and level of commercialization of agriculture in the rural communities. The constraints to commercialization and adoption of market-driven technologies were identified and recommendations were made towards the effective implementation of the project. The report would be useful in the implementation of the pilot project which has a lifespan of 18 months. Yam, cassava, rice and plantain were selected as priority major crops, taking into consideration their potential adaptability to commercial processing capability, socioeconomic and cultural significance as well as their comparative advantage in terms of production and consumption in various processed forms. Yam and plantain flour were found to be the most profitable processed products for the study area. Plantain and cooking banana flour are new, emerging products with a high future market driven potential.

Markets; Livelihoods

Commercialization; Technology Transfer; Infrastructure; Processing; Agroecology

Africa; West Africa

Nigeria