KEY POINTS
- Poverty reduction in Taraba targets education reforms and agricultural productivity.
- Cooperatives receive resources like tractors and fertilisers to boost output.
- By 2027, Taraba aims to significantly reduce its poverty rate.
The Commissioner for Cooperative and Poverty Alleviation in Taraba State, Habu James Philip, has revealed that approximately 80% of the state’s four million residents live in extreme poverty. However, the state government, under Governor Agbu Kefas, has launched transformative initiatives aimed at reducing poverty by 2027.
Education, agriculture, and infrastructure driving change
The Punch reported that, Taraba State government has prioritised education as a cornerstone for poverty alleviation. Governor Kefas introduced free education and reduced tuition fees for higher institutions by 50%, easing financial burdens on families. According to the commissioner, these reforms have enabled parents to redirect their limited resources toward other essential needs.
Agriculture is another critical focus area. The administration has distributed modern farming tools, including tractors provided by the North East Development Commission, to cooperative farmers. These interventions have boosted productivity and facilitated easier access to markets through ongoing road rehabilitation projects led by the Ministry of Rural Development.
Philip noted, “Through agriculture, infrastructure development, and financial empowerment initiatives such as grants ranging from N50,000 to N100,000 for youth, we are taking concrete steps to eradicate poverty.”
Learning from global success stories in poverty reduction
In a bid to replicate successful models, Philip recently visited China to study its approach to poverty eradication. “China’s strategies, such as modernising agriculture and leveraging e-commerce, are achievable in Taraba,” he said, noting the state’s vast arable land. The commissioner highlighted plans to introduce advanced farming equipment and techniques to transform rural communities.
Addressing concerns about a viral misstatement during his China visit, Philip clarified, “I meant to say ‘sustaining development,’ not ‘sustaining poverty.’ My focus remains on sustainable growth through agriculture, e-commerce, and social empowerment.”
Cooperative societies: A pathway to economic empowerment
The state government has also reinvigorated cooperative societies to enhance financial security for its residents. Under Governor Kefas, cooperatives have received critical support, including fertilisers and other inputs that strengthen agricultural output.
The ministry has been conducting training sessions to educate cooperative members on financial sustainability and best practices. Philip remarked, “Cooperatives are vital for poverty eradication. They empower communities to pool resources and achieve shared goals.”
