Agric: 200,000 youth to be engaged

– In PFJ 2.0 programme

By Isaac AIDOO, Accra

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has unveiled a significant initiative under the second phase of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ 2.0) programme, aimed at creating sustainable jobs and promoting financial independence for 200,000 young Ghanaians.

Announced by the Deputy Director of MoFA, Mr. Patrick Ofori, the ambitious plan seeks to integrate the nation’s youth into the agricultural sector, positioning them as key players in the country’s quest for food security and economic resilience.

Speaking at an event focused on the future of food and agriculture, Mr. Ofori emphasized the critical role agriculture plays in Ghana’s economy, providing employment, income, and food security for millions.

To further support the youth, PFJ 2.0 offers comprehensive mechanization services, including land preparation, planting, and harvesting, which not only enhance productivity but also reduce the physical demands of farming. Additionally, the programme ensures that participants have access to a well-organized and structured market for selling their produce at fair, non-exploitative prices—an essential factor in achieving financial stability and success.

Beyond the provision of inputs and market access, PFJ 2.0 also emphasizes capacity building through training in agronomic practices, financial literacy, and farm management. The holistic approach is designed to equip young farmers with the knowledge and skills they need to manage their farms effectively and sustainably. To ease the financial burden during the initial stages of production, the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) will provide a monthly allowance to each participant until their first harvest.

However, he also acknowledged the sector’s pressing challenges, including climate change, land degradation, and water scarcity, which have necessitated a transformative approach to agri-food systems. Central to this transformation is the active involvement of the youth, who Mr. Ofori believes are essential to driving innovation and sustainability in agriculture.

The PFJ 2.0 program is designed to address these challenges while simultaneously providing young people with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in agriculture. One of the cornerstone initiatives of PFJ 2.0 is the engagement of 200,000 youth in permanent agricultural work. Each participant will be responsible for cultivating an average of 10 acres, resulting in the development of over 400,000 hectares of arable land. The target crops—maize, rice, and vegetables—were selected for their shorter production cycles and quick cash turnaround, making them particularly attractive to young farmers.

A key feature of PFJ 2.0 is its youth-centered approach, which removes many of the traditional barriers that have deterred young people from entering the agricultural sector. The program’s input credit system allows participants to access necessary farming inputs without the need for upfront cash or collateral. This system significantly lowers the entry threshold, enabling more youth to participate in agriculture as a viable and profitable business.

Mr. Ofori encouraged the youth to seize the opportunities presented by PFJ 2.0, urging them to engage fully with the program, ask questions, and take advantage of the resources available to them. “The opportunities are there, but the key challenge is how to access them,” he remarked. “I encourage you all to seize this moment, engage fully, and take the necessary steps to capitalize on these opportunities for your future success.” With registration currently ongoing through the YEA official portal and the Ghana Agricultural and Agribusiness Platform, the PFJ 2.0 program is poised to make a substantial impact on the lives of Ghana’s youth, fostering a new generation of empowered and successful agricultural entrepreneurs.