Ghana’s Agriculture in 2025: Technology, Youth, and the Push for Food Security
Ghana’s agricultural sector—long the backbone of its economy—is experiencing a major transformation in 2025. Amid rising food demand, unpredictable weather patterns, and global supply disruptions, the nation is turning to technology, youth innovation, and policy reforms to secure its agricultural future.
Here’s what’s happening on the ground and in government offices:
1. Smart Farming on the Rise Across the Regions
The adoption of smart farming technologies is accelerating in regions like Ashanti, Bono East, and the Northern Region. Farmers are now using drone spraying, soil sensors, and AI-powered crop monitoring apps to boost productivity.
Ghanaian agritech startup GrowTech GH recently launched a mobile app that uses satellite data and local weather forecasts to recommend optimal planting times and fertilizer use. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) is collaborating with startups like this to train over 20,000 farmers in digital techniques by the end of 2025.
“Tech is helping smallholder farmers move from survival to profitability,” says Kwame Asante, CEO of GrowTech GH.
2. Youth Agripreneurs Leading the Charge
Youth unemployment has driven a wave of interest in agribusiness, especially in poultry, snail farming, mushroom cultivation, and organic vegetable production. Government-backed initiatives like “Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) Phase II” are providing seed funding, training, and access to markets.
At the Ghana Youth in Agriculture Summit 2025, over 5,000 young entrepreneurs showcased innovations, including solar-powered irrigation systems and mobile marketplaces for fresh produce.
One standout story is 27-year-old Abena Boatemaa from Techiman, who turned her family’s small tomato farm into a processing business that now exports paste to Togo and Côte d’Ivoire.
3. Climate Change Still a Major Threat to Crop Yields
Despite progress, erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and rising temperatures continue to challenge farmers. Cocoa, maize, and rice farmers have reported lower-than-expected yields for the second year in a row.
MoFA is now pushing climate-smart agriculture policies, including:
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Promotion of drought-resistant crop varieties
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Expansion of irrigation schemes like Pwalugu Dam
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Training in sustainable soil and water management
Experts warn that unless Ghana invests further in resilient systems, national food security will remain at risk.
4. Food Prices and Import Pressure Remain High
While domestic food production has improved slightly, inflation and import reliance remain pressing issues. Ghana still imports over $600 million worth of rice and $400 million in poultry annually.
To address this, the government has placed temporary restrictions on rice and poultry imports, encouraging local production. However, critics argue that support for local producers must increase if these policies are to succeed.
5. Agribusiness Export Potential Growing
Ghana’s cashew, pineapple, mango, and shea butter exports are on the rise, particularly to the EU and Asia. Through the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), over 300 agribusinesses have received training and funding to meet international certification standards.
A new processing plant in Wenchi is expected to boost the country’s dried mango exports by 40% by year’s end.
Conclusion: Agriculture is Ghana’s New Gold—If Managed Well
With the right mix of technology, youth engagement, and climate resilience, Ghana’s agricultural sector could become a major driver of jobs, exports, and food security. However, long-term success will depend on investment, consistent policy implementation, and support for smallholder farmers.
Stay updated for more insights on Ghana’s green economy, rural innovation, and youth-led agribusiness.
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