For many young people in Ghana, agriculture is often viewed as a difficult and unattractive career path. Yet initiatives that expose students to the realities and opportunities within the sector are proving that this perception can change.
Over the past eight years, the Agricultural Student Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogue Bootcamp (AG-STUD), organized by Agrihouse Foundation, has impacted the lives of more than 10,000 young people across the country. What began as a bold intervention to redirect youth interest towards agriculture has grown into a powerful movement nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Designed as a five-day immersive program, the Agricultural Student Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogue Bootcamp (AG-STUD), goes far beyond traditional classroom learning. Through mentorship, industry exposure visits, agribusiness training, leadership coaching and practical learning across the agricultural value chain, the Bootcamp equips participants with the knowledge, confidence and networks needed to see agriculture as a viable and rewarding career.
As the Bootcamp continues to expand its reach, its greatest impact can be seen in the experiences of its alumni young people whose perspectives and career aspirations have been transformed. I am one of those beneficiaries.
A Personal Turning Point
As a student pursuing Agronomy and Extension in Cocoa and Coffee at Bunso Cocoa College, I joined the Bootcamp at a time when I was mentally exhausted from academic pressure and uncertain about my future in agriculture. I simply wanted to explore something new, make friends and refresh my mind.
What I did not expect was how deeply the experience would reshape my understanding of agriculture.
One of the most memorable moments was our interaction with Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor. For the first time, I felt that young people like me were close to the “national cake” that our concerns were being heard by people who have the influence to shape policy and drive change in the agricultural sector.
Another powerful experience was our visit to Albert’s Haven and Autism Foundation. There, I realized that agriculture is not only about food production; it can also sustain social initiatives and support vulnerable groups. Seeing how agriculture was being used to drive social impact completely changed my mindset.
I was also inspired to learn that some farms in Ghana generate millions of cedis annually. It made me realise that with the right knowledge, commitment and business mindset, agriculture can be a pathway to real wealth. Success stories like Ransboat Farms showed me that thriving agribusinesses are not distant dreams.
Equally eye-opening was my exposure to precision agriculture, where technology is used to automate farming processes and improve efficiency. I also learnt how to pitch and communicate ideas within a short time an important skill for any young agripreneur.
Beyond the technical lessons, the Bootcamp helped me discover my leadership potential. I contested for and won the position of President of the Bootcamp cohort and continued serving even after the programme ended. That opportunity has inspired me to pursue leadership roles wherever I find myself.
Most importantly, I stopped seeing agriculture as merely “cutlass and hoe” work. I now clearly see agriculture for what it truly is: a serious and profitable business.
Changing Perceptions, Creating Opportunities
Before attending the Bootcamp, I believed agriculture was a difficult sector to enter and that securing a well-paying job within the industry was unlikely. Like many young people, I felt discouraged by the perception that agriculture offered limited opportunities.
Today, my thinking has changed completely.
I now believe agriculture can help me achieve the financial success I aspire to. There is indeed “gold in the soil,” and with hard work and the right knowledge, young people can build lasting wealth through farming.
The Bootcamp has strongly influenced my career path. Rather than working for someone else after completing my studies, I now aspire to establish my own farm and build a sustainable agribusiness. I am currently at the early stages of setting up a pineapple farm to support the activities of my foundation, inspired by what I learnt at Albert’s Haven.
Agriculture, in my view, remains one of the most strategic career opportunities available to young people in Ghana today. With access to land, basic knowledge and determination, any young person can begin.
Why Youth-Focused Agricultural Programmes Matter
Programs like the Agricultural Student Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogue Bootcamp (AG-STUD), play a critical role in transforming the agricultural sector. They expose young people to opportunities within agriculture, inspire innovation and build confidence among the next generation of agribusiness leaders.
More importantly, they show young people that agriculture is not just about feeding the nation it is about building businesses, creating jobs and driving national development.
If more young people are given the opportunity to participate in such programs, Ghana will produce a new generation of innovative farmers, agripreneurs and agricultural leaders who can transform the sector and strengthen food security.
A Call for Greater Investment in Youth
Future editions of the Bootcamp should continue to expand while placing stronger emphasis on agricultural technology. Training young people to use digital tools, automation and data-driven farming methods will make agriculture more efficient, more profitable and more attractive.
To young people who are still uncertain about pursuing agriculture, my message is simple: when you manage your farm well, you do not have to depend on anyone for survival. Agriculture can provide financial independence and long-term security.
I also commend Agrihouse Foundation and partners supporting youth-focused agricultural initiatives, including Yara International, Agromonti, ADFRA, the Presidential Initiative in Agriculture and Agribusiness, Ransboat Farms, and Albert’s Haven and Autism Foundation. Their commitment is helping shape the future of agriculture in Ghana.
Finally, I urge policymakers especially the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to continue investing in youth-centered agricultural programs. Initiatives like, the Agricultural Student Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogue Bootcamp (AG-STUD), are nurturing the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs who will secure the future of Ghana’s agricultural sector.
As the saying goes, the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow. If Ghana is serious about building a stronger and more innovative agricultural sector, then empowering young people must remain a national priority.
By: Mohammed Shabban
