An innovative program aims to reshape the economic future of young people in Northern Ghana by promoting horticulture as a launchpad for employment opportunities, entrepreneurial ventures, and enhanced product value.
The Agrihouse Foundation, supported by AGRA and the Mastercard Foundation through their Youth Entrepreneurship for the Future of Food and Agriculture (YEFFA) Program, has initiated the Boost-To-Bloom project aimed at unlocking the commercial potential of tomatoes, peppers, and onions across the five northern regions of Ghana—specifically the Upper East, Upper West, Savannah, North East, and Northern Regions.
The main objective of this program is to develop a workforce of 20,000 capable, entrepreneurial young individuals—including young women and people with disabilities—by the years 2025 through 2028. Participants will be provided with specialized instruction, mentorship, and assistance for launching their own ventures in agriculture. This encompasses various aspects such as farming, product handling, and supply chain management within the sector.
“We aren’t merely cultivating crops; we’re nurturing future agricultural entrepreneurs capable of competing, adding value, and reshaping communities,” stated Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the Executive Director at Agrihouse Foundation.
Why Horticulture, why now?
Unemployment among young people continues to be a significant issue in Ghana’s northern region, an area where farming is central to life in rural areas yet provides little opportunity for economic advancement because of land division, obstacles in accessing markets, and losses after harvesting. Meanwhile, the country’s supply chain for vegetables holds unexplored opportunities—especially with regard to processed items such as tomato paste, dehydrated onions, and powdered peppers.
The Boost-To-Bloom Project tackles this potential through a detailed agricultural business plan that extends past mere production to tackle market entry, resource provision, and financial education, keeping sight of both local and international trade opportunities.
Developing Career Paths, particularly for those who are marginalized
The initiative specifically emphasizes support for young women and individuals with disabilities, acknowledging the structural obstacles they encounter when trying to obtain land, financial resources, and chances for leadership roles.
Via local bootcamps and agricultural business centers, recipients will receive support to:
Start businesses throughout the garden plant production continuum
Manage input dealerships and service centers
Cultivate leadership and innovative thinking abilities
Acquire skills in financial management and collaborative governance.
This method resonates with AGRA’s dedication to an all-encompassing agricultural revolution, guaranteeing that every group remains part of Ghana’s developing agri-food sector.
From Farms to Marketplaces: Developing Sustainable Agribusiness Systems
One distinctive aspect of this initiative is the creation of Boost-To-Bloom Project Networks—localized agricultural business hubs designed to facilitate shared resources, joint negotiations, and connections with markets. These networks aim to bridge farmers and producers with purchasers, export companies, processing facilities, and both government and private sector collaborators.
“We are dedicated to constructing interconnected systems rather than isolated silos. These networks enable us to link youth-driven enterprises with market opportunities, financial resources, and policy-making arenas,” stated Dr. Betty Annan, Country Director of AGRA Ghana.
Moreover, the initiative will enhance cross-regional knowledge exchange, ease access to transportation and storage infrastructure, and allow for joint utilization of processing tools to lower expenses and boost competitiveness.
A Future Focused on Value Enhancement and Export Preparedness
Aligning with Ghana’s aim to boost non-traditional exports and decrease dependence on raw commodity trading, the Boost-To-Bloom initiative is prioritizing value addition at its center. The training programs will cover aspects such as food safety, product packaging, and brand development, thereby enabling young people to create market-ready goods suitable for both local supermarkets and global markets.
AGRA’s participation guarantees that the project is integrated into national and regional policy discussions, providing data that can shape inclusive agricultural business strategies throughout the continent.
A flexible framework for equitable development
The Boost-To-Bloom Project showcases an innovative approach to agricultural advancement that integrates skill development with business formation, systemic reasoning with practical implementation, and youth engagement with adaptive market strategies.
Backed by Mastercard Foundation and AGRA, this initiative marks a transition towards youth-driven, inclusive, and economically sustainable agriculture. It aims to generate significant, respectful, and transformative employment opportunities for young people in northern Ghana.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
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