Agriculture continues to play a crucial role in the economic development of Ghana. It is one of the largest contributors to GDP and export incomes in the country. The Agriculture sector employs about half of the economically active population, and about 80% of the country’s population depends on agriculture. With all the benefits derived from agriculture, only about 39% of agricultural lands in Ghana are being cultivated. This represents a great index of unexplored opportunities such as employment, food production, an increase in exports, etc. that can be utilized for the growth of Ghana’s economy.

Considering the enormous potential of Ghana’s agricultural sector, successive governments have made efforts to encourage the youth to go into agriculture since the average farming age in Ghana currently is 55 years against a life expectancy age average of 55-60 years.

Unfortunately, due to the debilitating nature of rural agriculture, most of the youth find it unattractive and unrewarding. However, the few that dare to venture into farming amiss the numerous challenges loose grip of the essentials of patience and persistence.

Patience

One characteristic of the youth is the ability to do and get things done quickly. In this era where everything is constantly experiencing change at rapid rate. To succeed in farming, one needs the character to sow and exhibit patience to way for the harvest. Because of the illusion of overnight success, many youth struggle during the waiting period since they're wired to by the magic wand of instant gratification to please peers and live lavishly.

Lack of perseverance

Challenges are part of life, every venture is accompanied by challenges and farming is not an exception. A lot people are motivated by the promising returns on their investment in agriculture such that, they fail the develop the tenacity to handle challenges associated with it. They give up most especially when their yield is dwindled by the factors of soil fertility, availability of water, climate, and diseases or pests. They fail to take cues from the lessons derived from their experience to help them better prepare for the next planting season, hence they quit farming.

Patience and persistence are vital virtues of life, and serves as a benchmark for anyone who wants to thrive in the agriculture sector. I specially commend all the youths in agriculture and entreats them to cultivate the character of patience and persistence. Happy Farmers day to all Farmers. God bless our Homeland Ghana.

Writer: Richard Bosomtwi
University of Education, Winneba
[email protected]
0249861709