In an era where global food security and sustainable agricultural practices are increasingly prioritized, nurturing the next generation of agricultural professionals is more critical than ever. Mentoring and coaching agricultural students and beginner agribusinesses are essential to ensure that young minds are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to innovate and lead in this vital sector.
Agriculture requires a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. While academic institutions provide the necessary theoretical foundation, there is often a gap in hands-on experience and real-world application. Initiatives that bridge this gap by offering agribusiness students and beginner agribusinesses guidance, mentorship, and training are crucial for their success.
One such initiative is Agrihouse Foundation’s annual Agricultural Students Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogue Bootcamp (AG-STUD). The seventh edition of this event was recently held on Sunday May 19TH to Friday May 24 2024 at the GNAT Hall in Accra under the theme “Accelerating Our Efforts in Enabling and Advancing Career Opportunities for Agri-Youth: Role of Public, Private, and Development Partners.”
Over the past six years, the bootcamp has supported approximately 6,000 beneficiaries, helping them turn their ideas into businesses and aiding agribusiness companies in recruiting smart and fresh graduates. This initiative has also contributed to developing a positive mindset among young agricultural students and beginner agribusinesses by exposing them to various career paths and opportunities within the agribusiness value chain.
This year, the six-day bootcamp welcomed about 300 students from agricultural colleges, farm institutes, and universities across the country. Throughout the six days, the beneficiaries were engaged in practical learning in diverse fields, led by mentors, trainers, and coaches drawn from government institutions, corporate entities notable is the mentorship by rural women farmers and producers and farmers with disability excelling in the agricultural value chain who encouraged the students and beginner agribusinesses to strive harder irrespective of their condition and situations. the boot campers also participated in business development sections led by industry experts which equip them to develop their business ideas and participate in the Beginner Group Presentation and the ultimate Input Dealer business deal pitch, the event also made room for field trip to the agricultural manufacturing group (AMG)fertilizers and the Tulaku Market, among other mind-engaging activities all aimed at equipping them to succeed in the agricultural sector.
The participating agricultural students and beginner agribusinesses included students from Adidome Agric College, Asuansi Farm Institute, Damango Agric College, Ejura Agricultural College, Kwadaso Agric College, Wenchi Agricultural College, Ohawu Agric College, and Fair River Agric Institute, Veterinary College, and Animal Health Production.
Others included Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Ghana, University of Cape Coast, Methodist University, University of Development Studies, All Nations University, Ghana Christian University College, University of Energy & Natural Resources, Central University, University of Agricultural and Environmental Studies, and Catholic University.
The bootcamp also made room for daily non-campers: Agric students drawn from selected second cycle institutions, including Labone Senior High School, Accra Academy Senior High School, O’Reilly Senior High School, and Ngleshie Amanfro Senior High School.
In her welcome address, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting young Ghanaians aspiring to build careers in agriculture.
She highlighted that the bootcamp has grown into a leading intervention enabling agri-youth, beginner agribusinesses, and start-ups to develop their business ideas into viable enterprises.
A notable highlight of the bootcamp is the pitch competition, where students present their business ideas for a chance to win support for their ventures. Last year, the winner, Charlotte Yawa Sodezo, received a fully furnished agro-input shop. This year, Osei Kofi Fosu from the University of Energy and Natural Resources won the pitch and will receive an input dealer shop from Agrihouse Foundation and the Agricultural Manufacturing Group (AMG).
“By this, we are contributing to empowering the next generation of agripreneurs, building strategic career paths for young agribusiness professionals straight out of school, whiles contributing to the government’s agenda of establishing input dealer businesses across the country for the convenience and accessibility of farmers, “she added.
She praised all participants and winners and encouraged them to focus on pursuing their dreams with the support they have gained from the bootcamp. She extended gratitude to ADB, Jobberman, Agricultural Manufacturing Group, WEID Ventures, Kofi Vinyo, Kofi Ansah (Ahodwo Farms), Lexvee Agro-processing, and some of Agrihouse Foundation’s women in agribusiness beneficiaries, including Mama Abigail Ghama, Janet Adade, Queen Gafaratu Enterprise, Ayden Ventures, Nanvee Natural Foods, Vinolia Wealth Foods, ZLB Enterprise, and Bebefu Ventures, for investing in the aspirations of the young agripreneurs.
PATRON ZANETOR AGYEMANG RAWLINGS – ‘’TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY THE BOOTCAMP PRESENTS’’
For her part, the Patron for the Agricultural Students Career Guidance and Mentorship Bootcamp, Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, urged the agricultural students and beginner agribusinesses to take advantage of opportunities from the bootcamp to learn from mentors, industry experts, past beneficiaries, and others who have excelled in the agricultural sector to guide and help them succeed.
She stated that agriculture has emerged as an increasingly profitable and lucrative industry in recent years, driven by advancements in technology, evolving consumer demands, and the growing global population.
Additionally, Dr. Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings extended her commendations to Agrihouse Foundation for their unwavering commitment to introducing impactful intervention initiatives aimed at bolstering the agricultural sector.
HON. FIIFI KWETTEY: “BELIEVE IN YOUR CAPACITY TO EFFECT CHANGE”
For his part, the Former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Fiifi Kwettey,
giving an Agri Pep Talk on the topic “Activating Your Purpose Through Self-Actualization as a Beginner,” Hon. Fiifi Kwettey urged and encouraged the boot campers to believe in their capacity to effect change. He emphasized the transformative power of self-belief and encouraged them to harness their potential to make a meaningful impact in the agricultural sector.
He underscored the importance of self-awareness, passion, and purpose-driven action, emphasizing that every individual possesses the ability to enact positive change within their spheres of influence.
“You must be determined to change the story of Ghana. Every action we take today shapes the narrative of tomorrow. Let us harness our collective determination to cultivate a future where prosperity, innovation, and sustainability flourish across our nation,” he added.
Dr. Solomon Gyan: “Let’s Work to Change Negative Misconceptions About Agriculture Among the Youth”
The Director of the Directorate of Crop Services at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Solomon Gyan,Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Brian Acheampong, urged stakeholders to support the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in changing negative misconceptions surrounding agriculture that portray farmers as uneducated and agricultural work as physically demanding with minimal financial rewards perceptions among the youth through education, empowerment, and youth mentorship engagement.
Agriculture he said, has numerous job opportunities, from research to sustainable environmental practices, financial management, and technological engineering. Agriculture today presents a rich tapestry of opportunities waiting to be explored by the youth. fostering enthusiasm and investment in the agricultural sector among the youth, they will contribute to building a more resilient, innovative, and sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
2023 NATIONAL BEST FARMER: “DEFY GENDER STEREOTYPES IN AGRICULTURE”
Madam Charity Akotia, the 2023 National Best Farmer, urged women interested in pursuing careers in agriculture to defy prevailing gender stereotypes and societal norms.
She emphasized the importance of breaking free from the confines of traditional gender roles, encouraging women to embrace their passion for agriculture despite societal expectations.
She passionately advocated for women to seize opportunities in the agricultural sector, regardless of preconceived notions about suitable professions for women.
“Women have an invaluable role to play in agriculture, and it’s time to shatter the glass ceiling that restricts our participation,” Madam Akotia declared. “We must not allow outdated stereotypes to dictate our choices. Instead, we should embrace our potential as leaders and innovators in agriculture.”
The 2023 National Best Farmer recounted the challenges she encountered on her path to success. “Many people tried to discourage me from pursuing agriculture,” she revealed. “They insisted that a woman’s place was in the home, caring for her children, not toiling in the fields.”
Undeterred by the naysayers, Madam Akotia forged ahead, driven by her passion for agriculture and unwavering determination to defy gender norms. She shared how she overcame adversity, challenging stereotypes and proving that women are equally capable of excelling in agriculture.
2018 NATIONAL BEST FARMER- “AGRICULTURE IS A VIABLE CAREER CHOICE”
Mr. James Boateng, the 2018 National Best Farmer, delivering an engaging Agri-Ted Talk titled “The Beginning of My Farming Journey” called on the youth to consider agriculture as a viable career choice.
he debunked prevalent misconceptions and underscored the vast potential inherent in the agricultural sector. Drawing from his wealth of experience, he illuminated the array of opportunities available to budding farmers and agripreneurs, urging them to approach agriculture with passion and innovation.
“I have been in the corporate field for 30 years, and I can tell you that leaving the corporate job and venturing into agriculture was the best decision I have ever made. Now, I am making more money from agriculture than I was making in the corporate world,” he added.
UENR FINAL YEAR AGRIBUSINESS STUDENT WINS INPUT DEALER BUSINESS DEAL PITCH PRIZE AT 7TH AG-STUD BOOTCAMP
Twenty-six-years-old final year BSc Agribusiness student from the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Osei Kofi Fosu, emerged as the winner of the AMG Fertilizers Input Dealer business deal pitch at the just-ended 7th Agricultural Students Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogue Bootcamp (AG-STUD).
Fourteen final-year agribusiness students who participated in the six-day bootcamp competed for the Ultimate Prize Pitch. The input dealer business deal pitch prize was designed as part of the final day activities to allow the aspiring agripreneurs to demonstrate how they were each going to develop, grow, and sustain their business ideas within a period of two years.
After a tightly contested session, the judges adjudged Kofi Osei Fosu the overall winner of the Prize Pitch, declaring his ideas and initiatives to grow and sustain his agribusiness as the most practical and smart.
In partnership with Agrihouse Foundation, the Agricultural Manufacturing Group will set up a state-of-the-art input dealer business for Kofi in his community of residence.
Students from Damango Agricultural College also emerged victorious in the Beginner Group Presentation, securing a cash prize of 2,500 cedis. The University of Development Studies claimed the second position with a cash prize of 1,500 cedis, while Ohawu Agricultural College secured third place with 1,000 cedis, all sponsored by Agrihouse Foundation to serve as seed capital for their agribusiness projects.
Speaking in an interview, Kofi Osei Fosu expressed his gratitude to Agrihouse Foundation and the Agricultural Manufacturing Group (AMG) for the honor.
According to him, the bootcamp has been nothing short of transformative for him as a final-year BSc Agribusiness student. Winning the AMG Fertilizer Input Dealer business deal pitch prize has reinforced his belief in the potential of agriculture as a catalyst for economic growth and sustainable development.
“Throughout the bootcamp, I was inspired by the innovative ideas and dedication of my fellow participants. The experience of pitching my agribusiness project to the esteemed panel of judges was both challenging and rewarding. Their recognition of my vision and plans for sustainable growth has fueled my determination to bring my ideas to fruition.
He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Agrihouse Foundation for organizing this platform and providing young agripreneurs like myself with the opportunity to showcase our talents. Their commitment to nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders is truly commendable.
Moving forward, I will leverage on the support and resources provided by Agrihouse Foundation and AMG Fertilizers to turn my vision into reality. I believe that with determination, hard work, and the right support system, I can make a meaningful impact in the agricultural sector and contribute to the overall development of my community and country.”
The Event Was Attended By Dignitaries Such As Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, Patron Of The Event; Dr. Solomon Ansah, Director Of The Directorate Of Crop Services At The Ministry Of Food And Agriculture; And Hon. Fiifi Kwettey, Former Minister Of Food And Agriculture, President Of The US-Ghana Chamber Of Commerce, Madam Florence Torson-Har, Mr. James Boateng, 2018 National Best Farmer; And Others Included ,Kwasi Abakah ,Deputy Director, Directorate Of Agricultural Extension Services,Issac Adjinn Bonney Chief Internal Auditor ,Ministry Of Food And Agriculture The 2023 National Best Farmer, Madam Charity Akotia, Dr Takemore Chagomoka ,Managing Director Of Kovi Organic Foods, Kofi Vinyo ,Maxwell Data Gladah From Eu-Reach,Monitoring And Evaluation Advisor , Janet Adade ,Ceo,Elsjyne Enterprise ,Mrs Rosemond Afua Afful ,CEO, Ayden Ventures,Viniola Wealth Zigah ,Vinolia Farms ,Mrs.Theresa Poku Managing Director ,Ohu Farms Ltd .Patrice Robertason ,Executive Director ,Eclectric Love Foundation ,Fredrick Benneh Frimpong ,Founder /Ceo Of Farming In Africa ,Ivy Opoku ,Chief Executive Officer ,Lexvee Agro-Processing ,