Ghana’s high youth unemployment rate presents agriculture as a viable sector for employment. Research indicates a surprising interest among young people in farming, even amidst climate change. Factors influencing participation include perceptions of climate effects, exposure to innovations, and personal connections to agriculture. Policymakers are encouraged to frame agriculture as agribusiness and enhance training and support for youth, particularly women, to foster participation and resilience against climate impacts.
Ghana faces significant youth unemployment, with a rate of 13.9% and over half of employed youth underemployed in low-paying jobs. The government emphasizes agriculture as a promising sector for youth employment, implementing policies and programs aimed at attracting young individuals to the field. There are growing concerns about the aging farming population, with the average age of Ghanaian farmers being 55 years.
My research focuses on the participation of young individuals in agriculture and the potential of farmer-led innovations to enhance farming systems against climate change challenges. Previous findings indicated that many youths perceive farming unfavorably, deemed a low-skill, unattractive option for livelihood. Additionally, I sought to explore the impact of climate-related events on youths’ decisions regarding farming, particularly their hopes or anxieties about a changing climate.
Surprisingly, a survey of 511 young Ghanaians revealed that a majority expressed an interest in agriculture, with 76.7% in favor of farming. Notably, climate extremes such as floods and droughts did not significantly deter youth from engaging in agribusiness, as many were attracted to emerging innovations that enhance resilience against climate challenges. The results indicate a need to reframe agriculture as a viable and modern career choice.
Our research identified that youth with a pessimistic perception of climate change tend to shy away from agriculture due to fears of diminished yields and increased poverty. Conversely, exposure to modern farming technologies fosters a positive outlook among young individuals about their farming future, suggesting that education on innovation could encourage participation.
Many participants experienced negative climate-related events but did not let these hinder their interest in agriculture. Despite facing challenges, those with constructive emotions about climate change demonstrated higher likelihoods to engage in farming. Various factors influenced participation, including demographics, access to land, prior agribusiness training, and personal connections to agriculture.
Factors attracting youths to agribusiness include the financial and managerial aspects of the profession. The government must expedite the adoption of technology for climate-smart agriculture and reshape the narrative of farming to encompass agribusiness concepts. Highlighting successful young entrepreneurs in the field can change perceptions and motivate others.
Moreover, there is an urgent need for practical training programs that facilitate learning for young people to establish successful agribusinesses amid climate change. Establishing accessible training centers near agricultural areas can enrich youths’ skills while ensuring women receive equitable support. Improved access to credit for young farmers is also essential to foster growth and innovation in the agricultural sector.
The findings indicate that a significant portion of young Ghanaians possess an interest in agriculture, even in the context of climate change challenges. It is crucial for policymakers to promote agribusiness as a viable pathway for youth employment, integrating innovative technologies and providing necessary training resources. By fostering an environment that supports young farmers, the government can address current employment issues while enhancing the nation’s agricultural resilience.
Original Source: theconversation.com
