#YouthElevate
LEVERAGING YOUTH POTENTIAL FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRIBUSINESS GROWTH
Farmer Globale, in partnership with Kosmos Innovation Center, has launched the YouthELEVATE project in the Volta Region of Ghana, designed to empower young people (ages 18-35), particularly women, to find meaningful and sustainable employment in agriculture. The project focuses on primary agricultural production across crops, livestock, and fisheries, while targeting youth, MSMEs (especially those led by women), smallholder women farmers, Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs), and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). YouthELEVATE seeks to bridge the gap between the aging farming population and the growing demand for dignified employment by equipping young people with the skills and resources to thrive in agribusiness.
Agriculture remains a key driver of Ghana’s economy, yet it faces challenges such as aging farmers, limited job opportunities for youth, and inadequate support for women and marginalized groups. The YouthELEVATE project seeks to address these gaps by creating dignified and fulfilling jobs in primary agricultural production, including crops, livestock, and fisheries.
The project has a goal of reaching out to some 50,000 youth annually in agricultural value chains and support services. Participants will receive comprehensive training in modern agricultural techniques, access to start-up kits (seeds, fertilizers, tools), and support to market their products. In addition, business development services will be provided to MSMEs, along with coaching and mentoring for youth-led agribusinesses. YouthELEVATE will also facilitate access to funding opportunities, and introduce beneficiaries to markets, both locally and internationally, to ensure commercial success.
A key feature of the project is its emphasis on inclusion, particularly of young women and persons with disabilities, ensuring they have equal access to opportunities in agriculture. With its focus on sustainability, market integration, and empowering young agripreneurs, YouthELEVATE aims to create resilient agricultural businesses that contribute to both local economic development and Ghana’s broader agricultural productivity. The project will drive social change by addressing unemployment, reducing gender disparity, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, making agriculture a viable career path for youth across Ghana.
Farmer Globale and Kosmos Innovation Center invite stakeholders, development partners, and government agencies to collaborate with us in making YouthELEVATE a ground breaking success, transforming the lives of young agripreneurs and shaping the future of sustainable agriculture in Ghana.
YOUTHELEVATE PROJECT (YEP)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
General Questions
We are an agribusiness company promoting a new model of socially-inclusive agriculture, combining cutting-edge technologies and climate-smart farming protocols for a secure and sustainable agri-food sector. We deploy innovative solutions to stimulate employment opportunities in rural communities in a sustainable manner.
YouthELEVATE is an initiative by Farmer Globale and Kosmos Innovation Center to empower youth (ages 18-35), particularly women, in the Volta Region of Ghana by providing skills, resources, and support to thrive in agriculture.
The project is open to young people aged 18-35, with a special focus on women (about 70%) and persons with disabilities.
The goal is to empower youth through training, resource provision, and business development services i.e., mentorship/ coaching creating dignified jobs and fostering inclusive growth.
Agriculture is a key economic driver in Ghana, but challenges like an aging workforce and limited youth engagement threaten its potential. YouthELEVATE aims to address these issues.
What kind of farming skills will I learn?
The project seeks to reduce unemployment among youths by empowering them through capacity building training and provision of startup kits into primary production.
Project Features
The project provides training in modern farming techniques, access to resources (farm inputs), business development services, mentorship, and market access.
It covers primary production across crops, livestock, and fisheries.
The YEP aims to empower 50,000 youth every year.
Participants selected for support after needs assessment will be provided with startup kits and in some cases capital to go into production.
Eligibility and Application
Interested applicants in the project operational areas may register with the assistance of Ministry of Food and Agriculture Office in the district and/or complete the online application portal.
Ghana Card or Voter’s card
The YEP aims to empower 50,000 youth every year.
No prior experience is required; training will cover all necessary skills.
Absolutely. YouthELEVATE is inclusive and encourages persons with disabilities to participate.
No specific educational qualifications are required.
Yes, the project training spanned 6 months is compulsory for all participants.
Shortlisted applicants shall be contacted for training.
Beneficiaries of YEP project may be assisted in accessing available markets for their farm products.
The project offers ongoing business coaching, mentoring, and access to a network of experts who can help guide you as you grow your farming or agribusiness.
Impact and Sustainability
By prioritizing women, YouthELEVATE addresses gender gaps in agriculture and promotes equitable opportunities.
Participants strengthen agricultural value chains, create jobs, and contribute to the local economy.
By creating sustainable agricultural jobs and equipping youth with the skills and resources needed for self-employment.
YouthELEVATE emphasizes training, mentorship, and value chain strengthening to ensure long-term impact.
It will rejuvenate the sector by engaging youth, improving productivity, and fostering innovation in agriculture.
If you face any challenges, you can reach out to your mentors, coaches, or local YouthELEVATE staff for help and guidance.
Beyond learning new skills and gaining business knowledge, YouthELEVATE helps you become a leader in your community, contributing to the growth of Ghana’s agricultural sector and achieving financial independence.
Benefits for Participants
Participants will gain modern farming skills, access to resources, business training, mentorship, and market connections, enabling sustainable livelihoods.
Participants will be linked to financial institutions for funding opportunities to support their agribusiness initiatives.
YouthELEVATE facilitates connections with local and regional markets for selling agricultural products.
Yes, participants will network with peers, mentors, and stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.
Yes, the project equips participants with business development skills to establish and grow agribusinesses.
Yes, the project supports small agribusiness owners with training, mentoring, and business development services to expand your operations.
Beyond learning new skills and gaining business knowledge, YouthELEVATE helps you become a leader in your community, contributing to the growth of Ghana’s agricultural sector and achieving financial independence.
