Revitalizing Ghana’s Agriculture: Engaging Youth in the Face of Climate Change
Ghana is grappling with youth unemployment, with agriculture seen as a viable sector to engage them. Surprisingly, a recent study indicates that many young people remain interested in farming despite climate change challenges. The research highlights the need for government policies to reshape farming’s image and provide adequate training resources to attract youth into agribusiness.
Ghana is experiencing a significant challenge with youth unemployment, currently standing at 13.9%. Many of the employed youth find themselves underemployed, engaging in low-paying jobs that do not fully utilize their skills. The government recognizes agriculture as a promising sector for these young individuals, promoting initiatives such as the Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s policies aimed at increasing youth involvement in agriculture through programs like planting and rearing livestock for food and jobs.
Ghana’s agricultural workforce is aging, with the average age of farmers being 55 years. Consequently, there are concerns regarding future workforce sustainability. My research delves into young people’s engagement in agriculture and the potential for farmer-led innovations to bolster farming practices amidst climate change. Previous studies indicate that young individuals often view farming as an undesirable option characterized by low skill requirements and manual labor, thereby limiting its attractiveness as a career.
In examining the impacts of climate change, particularly extreme weather events such as floods and droughts, I sought to understand how these factors influence young people’s decisions regarding farming. This inquiry specifically focused on their emotions and perceptions about entering the farming sector. To this end, our research team surveyed 511 young Ghanaians and discovered that a majority expressed interest in agricultural careers despite climate change challenges.
Our findings revealed that negative experiences related to climate events did not dissuade most youth from pursuing agriculture or agribusiness. In fact, innovations in agricultural practices, which bolster resilience against climate-related issues, attracted many young individuals. Notably, 76.7% of respondents indicated a favorable disposition towards farming as a viable career option.
This study suggests that governments must reshape the narrative surrounding farming, portraying it as a financially viable and innovative career path. Establishing training centers to educate youth about modern agricultural technologies could further appeal to this demographic. We discovered that individuals with deteriorating perceptions of climate change were less inclined to seek careers in agriculture since they often equate such changes with diminished crop yields and increased poverty.
Conversely, exposure to advanced farming technologies positively influenced perceptions among young individuals, fostering optimism regarding the adaptability of future farms to climate change. Not all youth experienced negative feelings related to climate change; those with positive emotions are more likely to engage in farming.
Investigating other influencing factors, we noted that urban youth demonstrated a greater interest in agriculture, with 69.3% supporting farming. Over 64% of the surveyed youth reported having access to arable land, though only 35.2% had undergone agribusiness training. Young men, those who participated in relevant training, and individuals with familial ties to agriculture showed increased likelihoods of choosing farming careers.
For policymakers, this indicates a need to shift focus toward agribusiness, which encompasses financial management, marketing, and strategic communication roles. Accelerating the adoption of innovative agricultural technologies and practices may alleviate young people’s apprehensions about agriculture.
I advocate for the integration of business management principles within agricultural activities as a strategy to appeal to young farmers. Identifying successful youth entrepreneurs as role models can positively alter perceptions of the sector. Additionally, establishing demonstration farms can further revolutionize perceptions of agriculture in Ghana.
Ultimately, equipping young individuals with knowledge and hands-on training will inspire their involvement in agribusiness. It is essential to establish proximity-based training centers, ensuring that participants acquire necessary skills in finance, technology, and marketing. Efforts must prioritize gender equity, providing equal access and resources to young women. Enhancing financing avenues for young farmers will also be crucial for fostering a vibrant agricultural future in Ghana.
Ghana faces a critical challenge regarding youth employment, particularly in the agricultural sector, where the average farmer is aging. Despite common misconceptions associating farming with poverty, a significant number of young individuals express interest in agriculture, particularly when introduced to innovative practices that enhance resilience against climate change. Policymakers are urged to reframe agriculture as a viable business, fostering training initiatives and support systems tailored for the youth. Encouraging successful agripreneurs to share their experiences and establishing training centers can inspire further participation among young Ghanaians, leading to a sustainable agricultural future.
Original Source: theconversation.com
