As a diasporan or visitor, it’s essential to support Ghanaian youth in agriculture. Young people are the vibrant stars that shine over our food industry. Without farmers, there would be no food to sustain us. This means we must also invest in the future of farming, which lies in the hands of today’s vibrant youth. Unfortunately, in recent times, many young people have lost interest in agriculture, often viewing it as a step backward rather than a viable career path. This may be because farming isn’t widely promoted as a lucrative or respectable means of making a living.
Before I left Jamaica, I worked as an Agricultural Extension Officer with the government. A major part of my job was to encourage people who are looking into, or are already into agriculture. I also grew up around farmers, and even did a little farming myself. This instilled in me a deep love for agriculture and its importance.
During those years, I observed a common trend. Young people were not interested in Agriculture. Now when I become exposed to Ghanaian agriculture, I find that Ghana faces the same problem. Many youths don’t recognize the value of farming, and I firmly believe that with the right education and opportunities, this mindset can change.
Households must also be encouraged to grow their own food. This will reduce the dependency on imported agricultural products and help the Ghanaian economy. By supporting local farmers and inspiring the next generation, we can ensure a sustainable and thriving agricultural future for Ghana.
Why Engage Ghanaian Youth In Agriculture ?
Food security in Ghana is threatened because of a lack of motivated youths who want to venture this path. This problem must be urgently addressed in order to ensure Ghana has food to feed the future. To address this, mentoring the next generation to embrace agriculture is not just a necessity but a transformative opportunity.
Engaging Ghanaian youth in agriculture is very necessary for many reasons. First, the global population is rapidly increasing, and there is also a high demand for food production. Ghana’s agricultural sector must rise to meet these demands. Young people can bring new energy, creativity, and technology to the table.
Second, the majority of farmers in Ghana are aging. According to the most recent statistics, the average age of a farmer in Ghana is over 55 years. If the youth are not mentored and encouraged to participate in agriculture, there will be a significant gap in the workforce.
The unemployment rate among Youths in Ghana is high and growing and as a result, agriculture can be a good option for these unemployed individuals. By mentoring the next generation, we can transform agriculture into a lucrative and attractive career option.
Challenges Facing Ghanaian Youth in Agriculture
Even though youth involvement in agriculture is very important, there are challenges that have discouraged Ghanaian youths from farming. These obstacles have shaped a negative perception of agriculture, and are turning youths away.
Some of the key challenges include:
Limited Access to Land: Land ownership remains a significant barrier for young farmers. It can be hard to get the land out of the hands of mainly older generation that control there lands.
Lack of Funding: It can be hard for young people to get he capital needed to venture into farming. There is a struggle to secure loans that is influenced by a lack of collateral in the hands of the youths.
Outdated Practices: Traditional farming methods dominate the Ghanaian agricultural sector. This makes it less appealing to tech-savvy youth who prefer innovation and modern solutions.
Negative Perceptions: Agriculture is often viewed as a “last resort” career option, associated with hard labor and low income.
Inadequate Training: Many young people lack the technical skills and knowledge needed to thrive in agriculture, which further discourages participation.
The Role of Mentorship in Transforming Agriculture
People in the diaspora should be willing to make a difference in Ghanaian agriculture. This is a good way to show our support for this amazing country. Our primary goal should be to see the land we love thrive.
We have the ability and responsibility to contribute to Ghana’s agricultural sector. One way we can do this is by promoting agriculture to youth as a good career. When we step up as mentors within our own capacities, we can share knowledge and resources that will help inspire Ghanaian youth in agriculture. We can teach them how to embrace farming and contribute to Ghana’s sustainable future.
Mentorship is a powerful tool for addressing the challenges we face with Ghanaian young people in agriculture. A personal agricultural coach can provide guidance, share knowledge, and offer practical support to young people navigating this sector. These are just some of the ways mentoring can help foster youth in agriculture:
Knowledge Transfer: Experienced farmers and agricultural experts can pass on valuable insights, traditional wisdom, and modern techniques to young mentees.
Networking Opportunities: Most times, mentors will have the connections to help youth thrive.
Being Motivators: A little bit of encouragement can go a long way. Mentors can be this source of encouragement to youth in order to boost their confidence to endure, especially in unpredictably difficult times.
Strategies for Mentoring Ghanaian Youth in Agriculture
We must use a well structured and collaborative approach if we want to mentor the next generation of youth. A few techniques we can use to implement a good mentorship program could be to:
Establish Agricultural Training Programs: Agricultural training programs can equip Ghanaian youth in agriculture with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Promote Using Technology: I have seen how a little bit of technology can go a long way. The use of technology can connect experienced farmers with youths. Online systems like webinars, and virtual training sessions.
Create Agricultural Clubs and Associations: During my years in agriculture, I was a mentor in my own way. I know that establishing youth agricultural clubs and farmers community organizatioins can foster a sense of community and collaboration.
Financial Support: Funding can be made available to young farmers to provide the capital they need to start their ventures. The government can be very helpful in doing this.
Highlight Role Models: Existing young successful farmers can be highlighted to show youths they too can strive in this field.
Promote Sustainable Practices: One of the best ways to ensure the future of agriculture is to do it in a sustainable way. We can therefore promote sustainable agricultural practices to youths to help secure the future of agriculture.
Success Stories: Inspiring the Next Generation
There are numerous examples of young people across Ghana doing really well in agriculture. One young person that I really admire is the Ghanaian Farmer. She is a vibrant young farmer who can be a role model for youths who wish to venture along this path.
Here are some other success stories of farmers across Ghana doing an exceptional job of feeding the nation:
The Young Agripreneur: A 25-year-old entrepreneur from Kumasi turned a small backyard garden into a thriving vegetable export business, employing dozens of people in her community.
The Tech-Savvy Farmer: This is a university graduate in Accra who developed a mobile app that connects farmers to buyers, streamlines supply chains, and reduces food waste.
The Sustainable Agriculturist: A group of young environmentalists in Tamale introduced innovative techniques for organic farming, earning recognition for their contributions to sustainable agriculture.
These success stories highlight the transformative power of mentorship, innovation, and determination in shaping the future of agriculture in Ghana.
The Role of Government and Stakeholders
Mentorship requires a lot of collaboration. The more people get involved, the more resources will be available to ensure a sustainable future in agriculture. Governments, NGOs, educational institutions, and private organizations all have a critical role to play in promoting a sustainable agricultural sector.
Here are some ways governments can help:
Infrastructure Development: A good public structure is vital for a properly functioning agricultural sector. Rural infrastructure like roads and irrigation systems can make agriculture more accessible and profitable for young people.
Public Awareness Campaigns: During my years in agriculture, I was a part of many government programs that sought to promote various agricultural initiatives. This can be a good way to reach farmers and promote better practices and strategies.
Partnerships: There can be collaboration between stakeholders to create a support system for young farmers, from training and mentorship to market access and financing.
Conclusion
During my time in the Jamaican agricultural sector, I worked with a lot of youths that had similar concerns to those of Ghanaian youths. Ghana’s agricultural future is dependent on how much these issues can be addressed to get more young people involved in the sector.
In order for this to happen, entities like the Ghanaian government, diasporans, and older farmers will have to step up to the plate. They can provide the guidance, support, and resources needed for Ghanaian youth in agriculture to be their best. This will help in a lot of ways, including with unemployment and food security. It will also help to cushion the economic well-being of Ghana.
As we look to the future, it’s essential to recognize that agriculture is not just a profession but a calling that connects us to the land. It can also help in the sustenance of our communities. When we invest in youth and create a good environment for their success, we can transform Ghana’s agricultural landscape and inspire a new generation of leaders. Don’t you want to be a part of the success story of Ghanaian youths?
