Empowering the Next Generation: Young Farmer Business Academy Champions Fonio Farming

The Young Farmer Business Academy, a flagship initiative of the Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC), is making waves in youth empowerment and sustainable agriculture. In collaboration with the University for Development Studies (UDS) and agricultural company AMAATI, the program trains young people in Fonio farming, equipping them with the skills to generate income and drive economic transformation in their communities.

Under the program, participants from 36 communities received comprehensive training on the cultivation of Fonio, a resilient and nutrient-rich grain with growing demand in local and international markets. The training focused on agronomic practices, seed and ploughing services, threshing services and market access.

The initiative began with an extensive community sensitization campaign, drawing interest from over 3,000 young people across the participating communities. This grassroots approach ensured inclusivity and created awareness of the opportunities Fonio farming offers as a sustainable income source.

After the training, participants were provided with Fonio seeds to kickstart their farming journeys. This vital step not only reduced the barriers to entry but also empowered young farmers to apply their newly acquired skills immediately.

By partnering with UDS and AMAATI, KIC has leveraged expertise and resources to create a program that addresses the full value chain of Fonio production, from cultivation to market access. This integrated approach ensures that participants are not only equipped with knowledge but also positioned for long-term success in agriculture.

Fuseini Sadick is one of the young smallholder farming at Takpili who has taken advantage of the support of Fonio production from Amaati Company. Through fornip farming, he has been able to provide for his family.

By investing in young farmers, KIC is planting the seeds for a brighter, more resilient future for Ghana’s agricultural sector.

With initiatives like this, the Young Farmer Business Academy continues to demonstrate the transformative power of collaboration, education, and innovation in unlocking opportunities for the next generation of agripreneurs.