Poultry farmers are urging the government to establish policies that will encourage more youth to venture into agriculture to boost the nation’s food security.
They emphasise that the current agricultural landscape is not conducive for youth engagement warning that this trend could impact the country’s future, as many farmers are ageing.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Ghana’s economy, accounting for 20-25% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and playing a crucial role in economic development.
However, despite its importance, youth participation in the sector remains low.
Kelvin Kofi Yirenkyi Dickson is a Level 400 Mining Engineering student at the University of Mines and Technology in Tarkwa.
Alongside his studies, he has been involved in poultry farming for the past five years. Dickson believes that with supportive policies, the government could empower youth and inspire them to choose agriculture as a viable career path.
“I’ve been in the poultry business for almost five years. I started at the age of 15, now I am 20. If you have the capital to start, you can venture into poultry. The majority of youth want to venture into poultry, but they don’t have capital and guidance.
“If the government engages the youth through training and workshop sessions on poultry, they will be able to start their poultry gradually.”
Nana Kwadwo Ayisi, the 2023 Sunyani East Municipal Best Farmer, shared a similar perspective. A former insurance broker, Ayisi now manages a farm that includes poultry, cattle, and crops like plantain and cocoyam.
He reiterated that many young people would consider agriculture if there were policies to support and motivate them.
Ayisi highlighted that the current conditions provide little incentive for youth to enter the agricultural field and called for a shift in approach, with targeted policies to attract young farmers.
“If the government could come out with a policy and training for young entrepreneurs coming into the system, it would help.”
To combat climate change effects, Ayisi has adopted sustainable practices, using poultry droppings as organic fertilizer for his crops.
“Looking at Climate Change, we need to come up with something that can help combat the problem so we do not lose money. We are currently using poultry manure to get the soil ready for cultivation”
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By: Michael Mfum
