TARABA STATE UNIVERSITY, STATE GOVERNMENT PARTNER WITH U.S TO BOOST COCOA PRODUCTION
Taraba State University (TSU) in Jalingo, in collaboration with the Taraba State Government, is partnering with the United States to enhance cocoa production across the state.
The initiative, anchored by TSU’s Institute of Tree-Crop Research, aims to bolster research, innovation, and sustainable cocoa cultivation in Taraba. It focuses on empowering farmers with modern tools and techniques for soil regeneration, higher yields, and effective pest control.
The partnership was discussed during a meeting that brought together representatives from the university, the state government, and a U.S. delegation led by Ms. Diana Doheny. Mr. Francis Bosah, African Technical Director of Agro-Forestry Impact and Regeneration, also attended.
Ms. Doheny explained that the proposal emphasizes experiential learning, allowing farmers to acquire practical skills that boost productivity, increase incomes, and promote food security. “Our program will equip cocoa farmers with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive,” she said.
Mr. Bosah reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to holistic, sustainable solutions that enhance rural livelihoods. “Through strategic partnerships, blended funding models, and innovative global practices, we aim to build the capacities of local farmers and transform communities,” he added.
The U.S. delegation was received by Dr. Emmanuel Lawson, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Executive Governor, along with other state dignitaries. University representatives included Vice Chancellor Prof. Sunday Paul Bako; Dr. Ahmad Baba, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Research); Prof. Mahmood Hamidu Umar, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development Services); and Dr. Patrick K. Kefas, Director of the TSU Institute of Tree-Crop Research, among other senior officials.
In his welcome address, Prof. Bako described the collaboration as a milestone for agricultural advancement in Taraba State. “This partnership aligns with our ongoing efforts at Taraba State University to develop the tree-crop economy, particularly in cocoa production,” he said.
Prof. Bako further noted that, over the past year, the university has worked closely with the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Ibadan to strengthen the cocoa sector. He added that experts from the Department of Soil Science and Land Resource Management will collaborate with local farmers to improve soil fertility and productivity, creating jobs and stimulating the local economy.
The vice chancellor commended His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas, the Executive Governor of Taraba State, for his visionary leadership and dedication to agricultural transformation. He pledged the university’s full support for the initiative to benefit farmers and the state’s economy.
This partnership represents a significant step toward positioning Taraba State as a leading hub for cocoa production and agricultural research in Nigeria.
