Young people’s perspectives on farming in Ghana: a Q study

Abstract

This study explores young people’s perspectives on farming in Ghana and examines how closely those views align with policy arguments that agriculture can help address youth employment challenges in Africa. Using Q Methodology with secondary school students in two contrasting farming areas, the study identifies different perspectives on why young people may or may not be attracted to farming and what should be done to improve their engagement with agriculture. The findings reveal several areas of agreement between young people and prevailing policy thinking, but also important differences. These differences highlight the need for youth and agricultural policies to take young people’s own experiences, aspirations and views more seriously rather than assuming that promoting agriculture alone will make farming an attractive livelihood.