As the global population continues to grow, so does the demand for food. The United Nations estimates that by 2050, the world will need to produce 70% more food to meet the needs of a projected 9.7 billion people.
This challenge is further compounded by climate change, food insecurity, and environmental degradation, all of which threaten to disrupt food production in many parts of the world.
Training the youth to take actionable steps in securing the sustainability of our agri-food systems is crucial to ensuring that future generations have the knowledge and skills necessary to produce food sustainably and efficiently, ultimately improving the agricultural sector.
The youth can play a significant role in developing innovative solutions to increase food production, reduce losses, and improve food distribution systems. Their involvement is also vital in driving efforts to enhance nutritional standards and address malnutrition.
In light of this, the World Food Forum (WFF) Ghana Chapter has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering the youth to take actionable steps toward ensuring a more sustainable and improved agri-food system. By positioning themselves as agents of change to reshape agri-food systems and secure a sustainable future for Ghana.
Speaking at the International Youth Day celebration organized by the WFF Ghana Chapter at Accra Academy Senior High School, under the theme âThe Role of Ghanaian Students in Sustaining Agri-Food Systems,â Mr. Anthony Aidoo, Chair of the National Steering Committee for the WFF Ghana Chapter, emphasized the importance of youth involvement in advancing sustainable agriculture.
He stated that engaging young people in agriculture is central to the WFF Ghana Chapterâs mission. âYouth involvement is key to creating a sustainable future for agriculture in Ghana,â he asserted. âOur mission is to equip young people with the necessary knowledge and tools to drive innovation and ensure food security.â
Mr. Aidoo outlined the WFF Ghana Chapterâs commitment to leveraging the energy and innovative potential of young people. âThe WFF Ghana Chapter is dedicated to transforming Ghanaâs agri-food systems by promoting sustainable practices and influencing agricultural policies through active youth participation,â he explained. âBy doing so, we aim to foster actionable solutions that lead to a more sustainable and food-secure future.â
According to him, the WFF Ghana Chapter is committed to empowering young Ghanaians through science, education, advocacy, and cultural initiatives to help improve the countryâs agri-food systems. âWe aim to create actionable solutions that contribute to a more sustainable and food-secure future,â he explained. He also highlighted the broad career opportunities within agriculture, urging students to recognize the field’s potential beyond traditional farming.
Adding his voice, Mr. Kwame Sekyere, Project Lead for the WFF Ghana Chapter, stressed the importance of viewing agriculture as a strategic career choice. âAgriculture is now a dynamic sector ripe with opportunities for innovation and technological advancement,â he noted. He called on both public and private sectors to support youth-led agricultural initiatives and foster an environment conducive to young entrepreneurs.
Miss Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the National Lead for the WFF Ghana Chapter, expressed confidence in the youthâs potential to drive significant change.
âThe future of Ghanaâs food security lies in the hands of our innovative and energetic youth,â she said. âYour creativity and passion are the catalysts needed to address the pressing challenges and unlock the vast opportunities within Ghanaâs agri-food systems.â
She highlighted the WFF Ghana Chapterâs commitment to empowering the next generation to spearhead a transformation in agriculture. She underscored the importance of a youth-led movement, driven by innovation, education, technology, science, and culture, to reshape mindsets and lead critical dialogues about food systems in Ghana.
âThe WFF Ghana Chapter is dedicated to ensuring that more young people are at the forefront of this movement,â Ms. Akosa emphasized. âOur goal is to inspire a new wave of leaders who will take the mantle and steer Ghanaâs agriculture toward a sustainable and prosperous future.â
Ms. Akosa encouraged the youth to remain resolute and passionate about their roles in the agricultural sector. âKeep the fire burning,â she urged. âYou are not just the future of the agriculture sectorâyou are the future of Ghana itself.â
Also addressing the student, Madam Philipa Mensah, Social Protection and Human Rights Lead for the WFF Ghana Chapter, emphasized the creative potential of youth in addressing agricultural challenges. âYouth have the creativity and determination essential for tackling food system issues,â she stated. She encouraged young people to develop proactive strategies that address both current and future needs.
The WFF Ghana Chapter urges all stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector organizations, and educational institutions, to support and invest in youth-led agricultural initiatives. This support is crucial for creating an environment where young entrepreneurs can thrive and drive the transformation of Ghanaâs agri-food systems.
âBy focusing on the role of the next generation in agricultural transformation, the WFF Ghana Chapter remains committed to fostering a vibrant sector where youth are empowered to make substantial contributions,â she added. The celebration underscored the critical importance of youth involvement in shaping a resilient and prosperous future for Ghanaâs agriculture.
The WFF Ghana Chapterâs International Youth Day celebration also featured an engaging Agri-Youth Panel Discussion. Students discussed the critical role young people can play in addressing and creating sustainable solutions for the country.
Torto N.T. Tobias, a General Arts 2 student, highlighted the potential of apps and digital platforms to revolutionize farming by providing real-time data on weather and market prices. âThis technology is a game-changer for farmers,â he said.
Asante-Osei Karl Danso from 2 Science 1 also suggested developing a rewards system for students excelling in agriculture. âRecognizing and incentivizing their achievements will motivate others to pursue agricultural careers,â he noted.
The student panel also proposed creating school partnerships with local farms to offer practical farming experience and recommended launching awareness campaigns to highlight agricultural career opportunities. Additionally, they called for policy reforms to support youth involvement in agriculture, including incentives for young entrepreneurs and grants for innovative projects.
The students were urged to embrace their potential and take an active role in shaping the future of Ghanaâs agri-food sector. With their enthusiasm and innovative ideas, the next generation is poised to make a significant impact on agriculture and food security in Ghana.
