The tenacity and perseverance of a 92-year-old cocoa farmer, despite his age, certainly inspires awe. For 64 years, Opanin Yaw Agyei of Goaso in Asunafo North Municipality of Ahafo Region remains a model in a field many youths find unattractive.

The former Best Cocoa Farmer for the then Bono-Ahafo Region provides guidance for both practising and potential youth farmers. For many people, especially, the youth, farming is an undignified and exhausting enterprise, with little returns.

These perceptions are common not only in Ghana but in other African societies. The youth prefer to drift from rural areas to cities for economic opportunities at the expense of agriculture.

For Opanin Agyei, the narrative is different as he celebrates immense benefit from tilling the land. From funding education of his children, both at home and abroad to owning landed residential and business property including a hotel, age is no barrier to him.

"I have got to work hard. Old age is not excuse  for laziness," he said.

The nonagenarian conceived the idea of farming just a few years into his employment at the then Mass Education Office. The thought of a meagre pension benefit which could hardly sustain him after retirement was enough motivation to pursue his dreams.

"I completed school in 1946 and got employed at then Mass Education Unit. It was there I conceived the idea of going into farming. I figured out the white-collar job was good but it cannot take care of me in retirement," he revealed.

"I travelled to Abuom in Akrodie area in search of land, the chief assisted. I believed my dream of becoming a prominent cocoa farmer was achievable. Now, here I am, speaking to you on this big cocoa farm of mine I have 90 acres of cocoa here; this piece alone is 75 acres plus 50 acres in Oppongkrom, near Sankore. This is my wealth; solely mine," Opanin Agyei added.

Opanin Agyei has 140 acres of cocoa farms at Asumura and Oppongkrom near Sankore in the Ahafo Region. In 2010, his effort earning him the Best Cocoa Farmer, an honour he cherishes so much.

"I was crowned the best Cocoa Farmer for the whole Bono Ahafo Region. I took that award. As I speak,  I own four-storey buildings in Kumasi. I have no regrets venturing into farming. The farm also sponsored the education of my children and grandchildren. Most of them are graduates now."

Many people believe farming is not lucrative and sustainable but certainly not Opanin Agyei, and he has no regrets for choosing such path.

"You must be business-minded when going into cocoa farming. You should know it is capital intensive. Once you appreciate this, you know the maintenance of your farm is paramount.

"All these caretakers help me to maintain the farm; dealing with pests and diseases. Government sometimes supports us but it is not enough.

"A serious agri-businessman doesn’t have to rely on government for everything. You must invest in chemicals and fertilizer," Opanin Agyei added.

Farming, in recent times, has become knowledge-driven especially in an era of climate change extremes. It means new techniques, seeds and strategies are needed for sustainable food and cash crop production.

Opanin Agyei has experienced climate change negative of effects on his annual yields. From up to 750 bags a year, he now does averagely 600 bags, and the reality dawn on him so much.

Consequently, he has invested heavily in this area by mechanizing a borehole to supply water to his farm at all times.

"Climate change has taken a toll on cocoa production. I have had to construct this borehole; 300 feet deep. I have three horsepower pump and generator. Very soon, I will start watering my farm once mechanization is done. I aim to increase yield," says Opanin Agyei.

I sought to find out if he will retire from active farming any time soon, considering the number of farms hands he employs.

"Retiring from cocoa farming, I don't know when I will retire because it will make me lazy. From hard work, you are mobile. It also makes me healthy," he responded.