Nkabom Collaborative Opens Agri-Food Opportunities for Young People

Genevieve Mensah / September 8, 2025

Prof. Richmond Aryeetey, Project Lead of the Nkabom Collaborative, says Ghana’s agri-food sector presents endless business opportunities for young people beyond traditional farming. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with Lady Comfort Ocran, he explained that the initiative, headquartered at the University of Ghana, brings together six universities and partners like the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) to build sustainable food systems. “The agri-food sector is more than just farming. From production to processing, distribution, marketing, and consumption, there is a whole value chain where young people can create businesses and careers,” Prof. Aryeetey said. He added that the program is designed to equip participants with practical skills, mentoring, and financial support. “We identified about 200 young people with business ideas, and after pitching, 100 of them received 1,000 dollars each to develop prototypes,” he revealed. Education Pillar Lead, Dr. Hayford Ayerakwa, outlined the Collaborative’s training pillars, including specialized PhD and short experiential courses in sustainable food systems. “We don’t just do the talking; we engage young people hands-on through field training and industry partnerships so they gain both skills and knowledge,” he said. He stressed that market access is a major focus. “Many times we see bumper harvests in rural areas while urban dwellers struggle to find food. We need young people who can bridge this gap, identify consumers, and link them to producers.” The Collaborative also prioritizes inclusion. According to Prof. Aryeetey, internally displaced persons and persons with disabilities are given special placement in the programs. He shared the example of a visually impaired participant who has advanced in their entrepreneurship track and is now receiving full support. Looking ahead, Prof. Aryeetey said his biggest dream is to see young people lead Ghana’s agri-food sector. “The sector has been dominated by older people for too long. We want to see the next generation empowered, innovating, and achieving great things.” About Springboard Hangout Springboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centered show hosted by Lady Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences to educate, entertain, and equip the next generation. It airs every Saturday on Joy Prime TV and on the Springboard Channel( YouTube ) at 4 pm. By Faustina Yeboah

“Farming Is Not a Risk,” says Rodge Gyabaah Yeboah, Founder of Akro Farms

Young farmer and founder of Akro Farms, Rodge Gyabaah Yeboah, has called on financial institutions and national stakeholders to rethink their perception of agriculture, describing the sector as one of the most secure and scalable investments in Ghana today. “Farming is not a risk. I can go into a contract with anyone and guarantee delivery,” he stated during an episode on Ghana Grows Edwuma with host Araba Koomson. Mr. Gyabaah Yeboah, who runs his irrigation-powered farm near the Bui Dam in the Bono Region, says the issue is not a lack of interest in farming, but rather a lack of structured support. “Imagine feeding 500 people from one farm. If we had just ten more like Akro Farms, that’s 5,000 people sorted. Food should not be a national crisis,” he said. The trained electrical engineer transitioned to full-time farming, utilizing drip and overhead irrigation systems that he funded 90 percent from his savings. He currently grows okra and pepper, and plans to add onions in the coming season. “Drip irrigation saves water and avoids fungi growth, but it’s expensive. Most young people can’t afford it without help,” he explained. He also raised alarm over the impact of illegal mining on agriculture, especially its effect on human resources. “You need people to work on a farm, but many young men are abandoning agriculture to chase quick money from galamsey,” he said. “They don’t realize it’s destroying the land we all depend on.” Mr. Gyabaah Yeboah encouraged the youth to consider agriculture not just as a fallback, but as a legitimate path to financial freedom. “If you want to be stable and build something lasting, start small, get the right knowledge, and farm. It’s better than fraud or illegal mining.” About Ghana Grows Edwuma Ghana Grows Edwuma is a nationwide broadcast aired on TV and radio, aimed at encouraging young people to take up career opportunities in the agribusiness, agriculture, and ATVET sectors.