As part of efforts to reduce unemployment and create gainful employment for the youth, Ghana Grows Programme has launched a research to evaluate knowledge, attitude and perception of young people in Ghana towards Agriculture, Technology, Vocational, Educational and Training (ATVET).

The research was commissioned as part of the Ghana Grows Programme, which is a collaboration between MasterCard Foundation, Springboard Road Show Foundation, and Lyme Haus. It aims to change negative mindsets about agriculture and ATVET as well as address the issue of employment amongst Ghana’s youth.

Speaking at a validation workshop to launch the research, Comfort Ocran, Executive Director of Springboard Roadshow Foundation explained the need to encourage the youth to venture into the agricultural space to boost socio economic development.

“Ghana Grows is a three-year programme comprising a series of multi-faceted interventions that seek to inspire young people aged between 15 and 35 years, especially young women, to explore and pursue decent and fulfilling careers in agriculture, agribusiness, technical and vocational sectors.”

According to the research, majority of young people have a positive attitude towards the Agriculture, Technical and Vocational sectors with over 91% of young people stating that they would be willing to work in the agricultural value chain if they are equipped with the necessary training and skills.

Also, 33% of the survey population knew about programmes for women, while 24% had knowledge about programmes for persons with disabilities.

Comfort Ocran explained the need to leverage the potential of the sector to boost employment among the youth.

“It is necessary to capitalise on the positive attitude of young people towards the sector, improve their perception of it, and create an enabling environment for them to participate in the agriculture and ATVET sectors.”

The programme will pay special attention at encouraging women and persons with disabilities.

The research was conducted by Densu Associates as part of the Ghana Grows Programme to aide policy direction and inform decisions to create a vibrant agribusiness value chain and ATVET sector.