The Taraba State Government successfully hosted a two-day Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land-Intensive Agriculture (FRILIA) workshop aimed at strengthening sustainable agricultural investment through inclusive governance, transparent land administration, and active community engagement.
The workshop, held in Jalingo, brought together government officials, development partners, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, farmers' associations, and private sector stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for promoting responsible agricultural investments while safeguarding the rights and interests of local communities.
Speaking during the opening session, representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security emphasized the importance of transitioning from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture, noting that responsible investment remains essential to unlocking Taraba State's vast agricultural potential.
Throughout the workshop, participants examined the principles of FRILIA, with discussions focusing on transparent land acquisition processes, environmental sustainability, protection of community rights, gender inclusion, and improved stakeholder participation in agricultural development.
Sessions also explored measures to improve the Ease of Doing Business in Taraba State, including proposals for a One-Stop Investment Centre, digital government services, streamlined business registration processes, and reforms designed to attract responsible domestic and international investors.
Other presentations highlighted the importance of environmental and social risk management, effective monitoring and evaluation systems, and the establishment of robust grievance redress mechanisms to strengthen investor confidence while ensuring fairness and accountability.
Interactive panel discussions and question-and-answer sessions provided participants with the opportunity to examine practical approaches to land governance, agricultural financing, climate resilience, market access, and sustainable rural development.
At the conclusion of the workshop, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting responsible agricultural investments through stronger collaboration between government, local communities, development partners, civil society organisations, and the private sector.
The FRILIA workshop forms part of the Taraba State Government's broader agenda to create an enabling environment for sustainable investment, improve agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, and foster inclusive economic growth across the state.