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Dr. Betty Annan, Country Director for the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), has called upon the government and key stakeholders in the agricultural value chain to tap into the potential of youth and small to medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) as drivers of sustainable development. She emphasized that leveraging this potential could strengthen resilience against climate change, while creating more equitable and efficient markets across Africa to ensure food security.
Speaking at the second Agricultural Innovation for Africa (AIA) Conference organized by the Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) in Accra, under the theme “Empowering Youth Startups and Agri-MSMEs in Africa: Advancing Food Security through Innovation and Collaboration,” Dr. Annan highlighted the central role agriculture plays in Ghana. With over 35% of the population engaged in agriculture, many of whom are young people, she stressed the importance of empowering this demographic for the future of the nation’s food systems.
“This demographic is crucial to the future of our food systems. Yet, their potential is often stifled by limited access to resources, markets, and opportunities,” Dr. Annan said. She further noted that as Ghana’s population is projected to reach approximately 53 million by 2050, agriculture’s role in providing employment and sustaining livelihoods will become even more critical.
Dr. Annan warned that climate change poses significant threats to agricultural yields, especially for smallholder farmers. She underscored the need for innovative approaches to climate adaptation, explaining, “Business as usual will not suffice. We need a widespread commitment to preparation, protection, and restoration.”
She particularly drew attention to the impact of climate change on cocoa production—Ghana’s major export crop, often referred to as the “golden bean.” Erratic weather, prolonged droughts, and unseasonal rains have disrupted cocoa yields, threatening the livelihoods of rural farmers. Recent droughts, especially in the Upper East, Northeast, Northern, Savannah, Bono East, and Oti regions, have further exacerbated these challenges, leaving many farmers facing crop failures and food insecurity.
Dr. Annan also highlighted the lack of credit in the agriculture sector, which limits the ability of market actors to invest and grow. She called for innovative financing mechanisms to build climate resilience among youth-led startups and agricultural SMEs. Access to blended finance models, climate-focused credit, and investment funds, alongside climate-smart technologies and sustainable practices, are critical for enhancing productivity and sustainability.
Mr. Benjamin Gyan-Kesse, Executive Director of the Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC), emphasized that the conference aimed to influence policy and inspire actionable change for young people in agriculture. He noted the readiness of thousands of youth to innovate within the sector but stressed the need for supportive policies, resources, and investments.
Gyan-Kesse pointed out that reducing the nation’s food import bill by 50 to 60 percent over the next five to ten years could significantly boost agricultural yields and contribute to the economy. “The youth are highly innovative and, with the right infrastructure, funding, and support, can develop machinery and create jobs, helping reduce food insecurity,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of technology in educating farmers on climate change and sustainable food production, especially considering the increasing role of women in the value chain. “Women add tremendous value, bringing traditional knowledge and creating jobs. Their contributions need more attention to ensure food security,” Gyan-Kesse added.
Through its AIA Conference, the KIC continues to engage and empower youth to explore innovative solutions for agriculture, contributing to a more sustainable and secure food system for Ghana and the continent.
