What's Happening?
President John Dramani Mahama is set to launch the School Farm Initiative (SFI) at Kpedze Senior High School in the Ho West District of the Volta Region. The initiative aims to transform senior high schools into hubs of food production and agricultural innovation. It is part of the Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness and is supported by the Ghana Education Trust Fund, the Ghana Education Service, and the National Service Authority. The initiative seeks to equip students with skills in modern farming and agribusiness, enhancing employability and entrepreneurship amid a youth unemployment rate of 14.7%. Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, Director for Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness, praised President Mahama for his leadership in this transformative project.
Why It's Important?
The School Farm Initiative is significant as it addresses youth unemployment by providing practical agricultural skills to students, potentially reducing dependency on food imports. By integrating agriculture into education, the initiative aims to empower the youth with lifelong skills, fostering national development. This approach not only enhances employability but also encourages entrepreneurship, contributing to economic growth. The initiative represents a strategic effort to reset agriculture and agro-education in Ghana, aligning with broader goals of food security and sustainable development.
What's Next?
The launch at Kpedze Senior High School will mark the beginning of the initiative's implementation across Ghana. As schools become centers for agricultural learning, stakeholders including educational institutions and government agencies will likely monitor the program's impact on student skills and employment rates. The initiative may inspire similar programs in other regions, promoting agricultural education as a tool for economic empowerment.
