The Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) project, in partnership with the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), has successfully trained 220 young farmers on climate-smart agriculture.
The initiative, targeting farmers aged 18 to 35, also provided essential farm inputs, including fertilizers, pesticides, weedicides, fungicides, and seeds, to enhance agricultural productivity.
This training program was implemented following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between KIC and AAMUSTED in 2024. The agreement focused on fostering collaboration in agriculture, agribusiness, capacity-building, and other business-related sectors. The overarching aim was to support young ‘agripreneurs’ and startup organizations within the agribusiness value chain.
Speaking at the closing session of the training at the university’s main campus in Mampong, Ashanti Region, Dr. Benjamin Aboagye Danso, the Faculty Advisor of the KIC AAMUSTED project, emphasized the importance of creating a sustainable farming environment for young farmers.
“As part of its ongoing efforts to equip young farmers with knowledge and resources needed for sustainable agriculture, the project implementation team of the KIC AAMUSTED Project, under the Young Farmer Business Academy Initiative (YFBA) trained the farmers.”
Dr. Benjamin Aboagye Danso
Dr. Danso further highlighted that the initiative aimed to improve the technical and agronomic capacities of farmer groups, particularly among women and youth. He stressed that the input support approach was crucial in addressing the challenges young farmers face, especially in securing initial capital at the start of the farming season.
Boosting Productivity and Market Access
Mr. Ebenezer Abankwah, the Project Officer of KIC, also underscored the broader impact of the initiative, which goes beyond equipping farmers with knowledge.
He explained that the initiative would enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, particularly young women and youth, by increasing productivity, improving market access, and creating new job opportunities. The project’s core objectives include boosting income opportunities, strengthening the resilience of farmers in value chain activities, and contributing to food security, poverty reduction, and economic growth.
Dr. Benard Effah, the Technical Lead for the YFBA initiative, provided an overview of the program’s significance in addressing Ghana’s overreliance on food imports. Despite the country’s vast arable land and favorable climatic conditions, Ghana still imports a large portion of its food to meet domestic demand.
He noted that this dependence has resulted in a high import burden, currency depreciation, and increased cost of living. However, through this initiative, young farmers will be better equipped to reverse this trend by increasing local food production. “By this initiative, the next generation of agripreneurs will be well-equipped for success, fostering a more resilient and productive agricultural sector,” Dr. Effah emphasized.
University’s Commitment to Agricultural Development
Representing the university’s management, Professor Dr. Isaac Abunyuwah lauded the project as an essential step in strengthening Ghana’s agricultural sector and improving the livelihoods of young farmers. “The event marks another significant milestone in the university’s efforts to support and promote sustainable agriculture among the youth,” he stated.
He reiterated that AAMUSTED remains committed to equipping young farmers with the necessary skills and resources to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s agricultural transformation.
Another key speaker at the event, Mr. Emmanuel Baah, the Mampong Municipal Deputy Director of Agriculture, provided valuable insights into sustainable farming techniques. He explained how these techniques would help farmers adapt to climate change while improving agricultural productivity.
Additionally, the training session allowed participants to share their experiences, challenges, and insights on sustainable farming practices. Farmers also voiced their concerns regarding the modalities of the project, which will be considered in future implementations.
With the project’s emphasis on sustainability, market access, and resilience, the trained farmers are now better positioned to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s agricultural sector. The success of this initiative also reinforces the need for continued investment in youth-led agribusiness ventures to create a sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural industry.
READ ALSO: SEC Extends Deadline for Ecobank and Stanchart to Publish 2024 Financial Statements
