Ghana faces a significant youth unemployment rate of up to 13.9%, with over 50% of employed youth underemployed in low-paid or unfulfilling jobs. The government is focusing on agriculture as a potential solution, recognizing it as a sector where young people can find meaningful work. Various initiatives, including the youth in agriculture policy and programs like Planting for Food and Jobs, aim to attract young people to the field. However, with Ghanaian farmers averaging 55 years of age, there is concern about who will continue the work in the future.
Research on young people’s attitudes toward farming in Ghana reveals a surprising shift in their views about agriculture. Despite concerns about climate change and extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and temperature extremes, young people appear to be more interested in farming than previously thought. A study involving 511 young Ghanaians found that the majority, 76.7%, expressed interest in agriculture, showing a willingness to participate in the sector, even in the face of climate-related challenges.
Climate change, which can devastate crops, has often been cited as a major deterrent to young people considering agriculture as a viable career. However, the research shows that the key to attracting youth is not necessarily the fear of climate change but rather the opportunities presented by new technologies in farming. Innovations that allow farms to adapt to and withstand the impacts of climate change are seen as a significant draw. These new methods, such as hydroponics and aquaponics, provide a forward-thinking, technology-driven path for young farmers.
Interestingly, while extreme climate events have affected crop yields and contributed to rural poverty, they have not significantly deterred young people from considering farming. The study found that youth who had negative perceptions of climate change viewing it as a threat to crop yields and an increase in pests were less likely to engage in agriculture. In contrast, those with a more positive outlook on how technology could help mitigate the effects of climate change were more likely to consider farming as a viable option.
Other factors influencing young people’s decision to enter agriculture include access to land, education, and support from family or community members involved in farming. Urban youth were particularly attracted to farming when they had access to necessary training and resources. Additionally, young people who had participated in agriculture and agribusiness training, or who were part of farmer-based organizations, were more likely to pursue farming as a career.
The concept of agribusiness, which integrates farming with business management, marketing, and technological innovation, seems to hold significant appeal. This reflects a growing interest among young people in the business side of agriculture managing finances, running a farm as an enterprise, and using modern tools to enhance productivity. Precision agriculture, which uses technology to optimize farming practices, and climate-smart agriculture are seen as ways to make farming more appealing to the younger generation.
For policymakers, this presents an opportunity to reframe agriculture as a dynamic and profitable career, emphasizing its potential for innovation and business. Governments and development partners must accelerate the introduction of climate-smart agricultural technologies, reducing the risks associated with climate change and boosting youth confidence in the sector.
Training programs focused on agribusiness, particularly those that emphasize financial, technological, and marketing skills, are essential for young people to succeed in modern farming. Establishing training centers near farming communities will ensure that youth gain hands-on experience, which is critical for developing successful agribusiness ventures. These centers should offer comprehensive support, providing not only technical training but also access to credit and networking opportunities.
It is crucial that young women are equally included in these programs, ensuring they have the same opportunities to benefit from training and resources. Providing equal access to credit for young farmers is also necessary to empower them to start and sustain successful agricultural enterprises. By supporting the next generation of young farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs, Ghana can create a sustainable future for its agricultural sector in the face of climate change.
