Ghana’s cocoa industry, once the cornerstone of its economy, faces a grave threat due to a declining labour force, signalling a concerning trend for the nation. Despite its historical significance, cocoa farming is losing its appeal among the youth, posing intricate challenges that demand immediate attention.
Research conducted by SEND Ghana on gender responsiveness in Ghana has shed light on this issue, revealing a disheartening lack of interest in cocoa cultivation among the younger demographic. One significant barrier preventing young individuals from entering this vital sector is the reliance on traditional farming methods deeply ingrained in generational norms, coupled with insufficient inputs.
Harriet Nuamah Agyemang, Senior Programme Manager at SEND Ghana, underscores the urgent need for innovation and modernization within the cocoa industry to provide young farmers with access to contemporary farming techniques and technologies. She emphasizes, “Farming itself is not attractive to young people these days because we are still using our local implements. Farming is still rudimentary for most people and people don’t want to exert so much energy these days into farming.”
“Young people think that whatever is due to them should be paid, and then they would go and procure their inputs for their farms, rather than being given inputs that are inadequate but, at the end of the day, the cost of those inputs is being deducted from the money they are given for their beans. “She added
Amid these pressing concerns, organizations like SEND Ghana are sounding the alarm, urging decision-makers and business stakeholders to address the underlying issues plaguing the cocoa industry.
