Taraba State University Hosts Global Sustainable Future Network To Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture And Sustainable Development

Taraba State University, TSU, Jalingo, has taken another significant step towards strengthening international collaboration as the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sunday Paul Bako, alongside members of the University Management, received the Founder and Director of the Global Sustainable Future Network, GSFN, Dr. Renuka Thakore, on a strategic partnership visit.

Welcoming the delegation, Professor Sunday Paul Bako described Taraba State as one of Nigeria's most resource-rich states, endowed with vast fertile land, favourable climatic conditions, and enormous agricultural potential. He noted that the state remains a strategic destination for sustainable investment in agriculture, research, and innovation.

The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the University's commitment to building global partnerships that promote research excellence, innovation, climate resilience, and sustainable development. He emphasized that Taraba State University is prepared to collaborate with international organisations in addressing global challenges through research and knowledge-driven solutions.

Presenting GSFN's vision, Dr. Renuka Thakore stated that the organisation seeks to transform Taraba State into West Africa's leading climate-resilient and investment-ready hub for sustainable coffee, tea, cocoa, and oil palm development. She explained that the initiative combines scientific research, environmental stewardship, digital innovation, farmer empowerment, and responsible investment to improve livelihoods while protecting natural ecosystems.

According to Dr. Thakore, the proposed collaboration will focus on promoting climate-smart agriculture through agroforestry, biodiversity conservation, watershed protection, and the adoption of sustainable farming practices. The initiative also includes the development of a digital agricultural ecosystem for farm mapping, farmer registration, traceability, and carbon accounting to support sustainable agricultural production.

She further disclosed that GSFN intends to work closely with Taraba State University, government agencies, research institutes, and international partners to strengthen research and innovation, restore degraded landscapes through reforestation, improve farmers' productivity through extension services and training, mobilise green investments, and develop export-ready agricultural value chains that comply with international sustainability standards.

Dr. Thakore added that the long-term vision is to establish Taraba State as a model for sustainable landscape transformation by creating climate-resilient farming systems, restoring forests and biodiversity, generating green jobs for women and youth, and positioning the state as a leading producer of sustainably grown agricultural commodities in Africa.

The meeting concluded with both parties expressing optimism about future collaboration. The proposed partnership is expected to strengthen research, innovation, sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and economic development while enhancing Taraba State University's role as a centre of excellence in research and global engagement.