Access to ready markets stifling youth participation in agriculture – Youth Farmers
A youth farmer, Gariba Hamadu, says that although farming remains a viable option for youth employment, poor market access continues to undermine interest and investment in the sector.
As Ghana continues to grapple with youth unemployment, young people are being encouraged to take advantage of the country’s vast arable lands. While some youth have heeded the call, many say the lack of access to ready markets is discouraging sustained engagement in agriculture.
A youth farmer, Gariba Hamadu, says that although farming remains a viable option for youth employment, poor market access continues to undermine interest and investment in the sector.
Speaking on Voices of Change on Mike FM on Saturday, January 24, Hamadu described the situation as demoralising and called for urgent intervention from stakeholders.
He explained that farmers invest heavily in labour, fertilizer, chemicals, and transportation, yet struggle to recover their costs due to the absence of reliable markets. According to him, this often leaves farmers indebted, frustrated, and unmotivated, while unattended farms are destroyed by animals, resulting in huge losses.
Despite the challenges, Hamadu urged young people not to relent in their pursuit of success in agriculture, stressing the need for innovation and continuous learning.
“Farming is all about passion, capital, and the readiness to keep learning. Agriculture is like school—you must keep learning.” He said.
Another farmer who appeared on the programme, Douglas Akoligo, described agriculture as a major opportunity for wealth and job creation, noting that the sector offers far more than primary production.
“Farming goes beyond primary production to value addition and service provision. Agriculture is broad—it includes the sale of farm inputs, machinery manufacturing, and other services, not just going to the farm,” he explained.
Akoligo added that with the right knowledge and support services, agriculture can generate income within a relatively short period, help reduce rural-urban migration, and significantly lower unemployment.
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | Cynthia Afaah
