A student from Bunsu Cocoa College, Hamid Mohammed Shaban, advises young people to pursue diverse agribusiness opportunities without owning farmland. He highlights that the agriculture sector offers numerous business avenues beyond traditional cultivation. This perspective shifts the focus from land ownership to value chain services and problem-solving.
Shaban encourages young Ghanaians to identify specific needs within their communities and develop solutions. He points to areas like seedling production in cocoa-growing regions or processing in areas known for pineapple and cassava. Such approaches allow entrepreneurs to leverage existing resources and address critical gaps in the agricultural value chain.
This advice aligns with Ghana's broader economic goals of diversifying the agricultural sector and creating jobs. The nation seeks to reduce its reliance on primary commodity exports and build robust secondary industries. Expanding agribusiness beyond farming can unlock new revenue streams and empower a younger, more innovative workforce in crucial rural areas.
Speaking on Joy FM's Super Morning Show, Shaban stated, “It is very difficult to point to one space and tell a young person to join it.” He believes successful ventures are often tailored to specific local conditions and available resources. He also challenged the traditional view that agriculture is solely about tilling land, highlighting profitable service-based roles.
The potential for young entrepreneurs to address significant challenges, such as post-harvest losses, is substantial. For example, organized youth groups could purchase unsold maize from farmers in northern Ghana, transport it, and connect it to markets. This strategy creates value and generates income, addressing a perennial issue that costs farmers millions of GHS annually.
Shaban stressed that many perceptions about agriculture are negative, portraying it as a sector only for sustenance or punishment. He attributes this to a lack of education and visibility into the sector's business potential. Changing these perceptions through proper exposure, training, and mentorship is crucial for attracting young talent.
He praised organizations like Agrihouse Foundation for offering practical exposure to large-scale agribusiness operations. Such initiatives show participants that successful farmers do not fit narrow stereotypes. They reveal the potential for significant wealth creation within the sector.
The shift towards service-oriented agribusiness is vital for Ghana's economic development. It reduces the financial barrier of land acquisition for young people entering the sector. This also fosters innovation in areas like logistics, processing, and market access.
Decision-makers and educational institutions should consider integrating more practical agribusiness training into curricula. This will help equip young people with the skills to identify and capitalize on these opportunities. The market will likely respond positively to increased efficiency and value addition across the agricultural supply chain, leading to better prices for farmers and more diverse products for consumers.
The call for young people to collaborate in groups is also significant. Collective efforts can help overcome resource constraints and build trust within communities. This collective action can attract support and mobilize resources for larger-scale ventures.