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Open policy discussion

What would make agricultural extension work for younger farmers?

A discussion about advisory services that connect knowledge, technology, finance and markets to viable agricultural livelihoods.

The policy problem

Younger farmers need an extension system built around viable enterprises, not information alone.

Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture identifies extension and farmer support as central to modernising agriculture. Its youth programme also frames farming as a commercial venture and highlights technology, inputs and rural employment.

A credible extension offer for younger farmers must recognise differences in land access, starting capital, digital capability, commodity choice, climate exposure and proximity to markets. Public officers, private advisers, research institutions and producer organisations may each have a role.

The policy challenge is to define service standards and outcomes while ensuring that remote communities and less commercially established farmers are not left behind.

Questions for contributors

Where should policy and accountability focus?

  1. 01

    Which services do younger farmers value most: agronomy, business planning, finance, technology, climate advice or market connections?

  2. 02

    What should be delivered face-to-face, digitally or through producer organisations?

  3. 03

    How should Ghana recruit, equip and hold extension providers accountable for results?

  4. 04

    Could public, private and university-based extension models complement one another without fragmenting quality?

  5. 05

    Which outcomes should be measured beyond attendance: adoption, income, productivity, resilience or business survival?

Starting evidence

Primary sources for the discussion.

These sources establish the initial policy baseline. Contributors may add further verifiable evidence.

Moderated contributions

Submit evidence, experience or a practical proposal.

Submissions go privately to the editorial team. They are not posted automatically. We may edit for length and clarity, verify claims, request sources and decline material that is defamatory, party-political, promotional or unsupported.

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