Livestock Farming Holds Huge Potential for Ghana’s Youth – Official Urges Students to Embrace Agriculture

A visit to the livestock farm of Basintale, Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), has renewed calls for greater investment in agriculture as a source of employment and business opportunities for young people in Ghana.

The visitor, who described the farm as one of the most remarkable livestock operations they had seen, said the facility could serve as a valuable learning centre for students and young people interested in pursuing careers in agriculture.

The visit highlighted the potential of livestock farming to create sustainable livelihoods, build successful businesses and generate employment across different segments of the agricultural value chain.

The visitor said agriculture presents significant opportunities for Ghana’s youth, particularly when supported by practical knowledge, dedication and sound business management.

According to the visitor, the benefits of livestock farming extend beyond raising animals to include veterinary services, animal feed production, meat and dairy processing, transportation, distribution and marketing.

These interconnected activities, the visitor noted, can create opportunities for young entrepreneurs while contributing to local production and economic development.

The comments form part of broader calls for young Ghanaians to consider agriculture as a viable profession rather than viewing it solely as subsistence farming.

Students in agricultural colleges and universities have been encouraged to visit the farm to gain practical exposure to livestock production and enterprise management.

The visitor said such educational trips would allow students to understand how the theories and techniques they learn in classrooms are applied in the day-to-day operation of a commercial livestock enterprise.

Practical exposure, the visitor added, could help students develop technical skills, generate innovative business ideas and build the confidence needed to establish their own agricultural ventures.

The visitor also urged the Minister for Food and Agriculture to engage the farm’s management and relevant educational institutions to explore structured educational visits, internship opportunities and practical training programmes.

Such partnerships, the visitor said, could help bridge the gap between academic training and the realities of running an agricultural business.

The visitor stressed that encouraging young people to enter agriculture must go beyond motivation and awareness creation.

Young aspiring farmers also need access to finance, land, technical advice, appropriate training and reliable markets to establish and sustain viable businesses.

According to the visitor, addressing these challenges could help strengthen Ghana’s food security, increase domestic agricultural production and create sustainable employment opportunities in communities across the country.

Improved links between educational institutions and established farms could also help prepare graduates for careers in agricultural production and related services.

The visitor commended Basintale and his team for their work in developing the livestock farm and demonstrating the commercial possibilities within the sector.

The visitor expressed hope that the enterprise would inspire more young Ghanaians to view agriculture as a profession capable of rewarding their ambition, skills and investment.

The call comes amid continuing discussions about how Ghana can make agriculture more attractive to young people and expand its contribution to employment, food production and economic growth.