The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) in Somanya, in collaboration with the MasterCard Foundation, has launched the Nkabom Project.
This 10-year initiative is aimed at generating three million dignified and fulfilling jobs for young Ghanaians by 2030.
The project was formally launched in Koforidua, drawing together academics, development partners, media, and community stakeholders. It signals a transformative shift in how agricultural innovation, youth empowerment, and environmental sustainability can be approached through education and inclusive development.
One of the project’s main pillars is agro-waste transformation. The Nkabom Project aims to convert agricultural waste, often seen as useless by-products, into valuable resources. This approach not only reduces environmental pollution but also creates entrepreneurial opportunities for the youth, women, and marginalised groups.
Speaking at the launch, the Vice-Chancellor of UESD and Principal Investigator of the project, Professor Eric Nyarko-Sampson, highlighted the university’s commitment to leading research and innovation in this area.
“The project gives us the key to really go into research and come up with how to deal with agro-waste and come up with products that will serve the community. Many think that most of the things that come out of agricultural products are waste, but how can we turn them into usable products?”
Professor Eric Nyarko-Sampson
This perspective marks a shift in the mindset surrounding agriculture and waste, pushing for a circular economy where waste is repurposed for value creation.
Innovation in Aquaculture
Beyond agro-waste, the project will also pioneer advancements in aquaculture. According to Professor Nyarko-Sampson, the Eastern Region contributes about 40% of Ghana’s inland fishing. This positions UESD as a strategic hub for training in aquaculture technologies that can enhance fish farming and related livelihoods.
With a focus on technology-driven practices, the project will support local fish farmers and aspiring aquaculture entrepreneurs in improving productivity, sustainability, and profitability in the sector.
To ensure sustainability and wide-scale impact, UESD is preparing to roll out academic programmes on effective agro-waste management before the end of the year. These programmes will provide both theoretical and practical knowledge to students and trainees, equipping them with the expertise needed to start their own ventures or contribute meaningfully to existing businesses.
The Pro-Vice Chancellor of UESD and Project Coordinator, Professor Edward Wiafe Debrah, emphasised the inclusive nature of the training programmes under the Nkabom Project.
“We are having tertiary programmes that will train people not to go and beg for a job,” he noted. “They will have entrepreneurial skills where they can use this agro-waste processing or aquaculture technology to earn an income.”
This approach aligns with the national agenda of promoting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a means of reducing youth unemployment and fostering economic self-reliance.
Inclusivity lies at the heart of the Nkabom Project. By focusing on women, youth, and marginalised communities, the initiative aims to bridge socio-economic gaps and ensure that no one is left behind in Ghana’s development journey.
The skills training and entrepreneurship support provided through the project will empower participants to create and sustain their own businesses. This, in turn, is expected to stimulate local economies and contribute to broader national development goals.
As a flagship initiative of UESD, the Nkabom Project represents a model for sustainable development that can be replicated across other regions in Ghana and beyond. It demonstrates how partnerships between academia and development organisations can produce tangible outcomes in addressing climate change, food security, and employment.
With the MasterCard Foundation’s backing, the project is not only well-resourced but also strategically aligned with global development goals, including the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
