Changing the perceptions and attitudes of rural Ghanaian youth towards cocoa farming

ABSTRACT

Cocoa farmers in Ghana are aging, and this threatens the sustainability of the sector. Using a qualitative approach, this study assessed how the youth-centred training programme has changed existing negative perceptions on youth participation in cocoa farming. The results confirmed that youth disinterest in cocoa farming is partly influenced by the perception that cocoa farming is an activity for the aged. The positive effect of applying the knowledge and skills beneficiaries received in enhancing the quality of cocoa farms and improving cocoa yield have changed existing negative public perceptions. Youth-centred interventions inspire hope in the revitalisation of Ghana's cocoa sector.

KEYWORDS:

• youth
• agriculture
• Ghana
• cocoa
• gender

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Shaibu Baanni Azumah

Shaibu Baanni Azumah is the CEO and founder of Asdev Consult, a Development Consulting firm located in Tamale, Ghana. He is also leading the Action for Shea Parklands agenda at the Global Shea Alliance to implement multi-country projects to plant and protect some ten million trees in the next ten years. Email: [email protected]

Nathaniel Amoh Boateng

Nathaniel Amoh Boateng is the Head of Planning Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (PMEL) at Solidaridad West Africa, Ghana. Email: [email protected]

Emile Mawutor Tsekpo

Emile Mawutor Tsekpo is an Agricultural Economist and a Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at Solidaridad West Africa, Ghana. Email: [email protected]

Kwadwo Boadi Mensah

Kwadwo Boadi Mensah is a consultant with Solidaridad West Africa, Ghana. Email: kwadwo.[email protected]

Ethel Boateng

Ethel Boateng works with the Participatory Development Associates, Kumasi, Ghana. Email: [email protected]