Academic City University College, a premium Entrepreneurship tertiary institution has organized a forum on agri-business to sensitize young people on the enormous opportunities in the agricultural sector.

The one-day forum which was under the theme, “Shaping the Future of Agri-Business in Sub- Sahara Africa’ formed part of the university’s activities to commemorate this year’s Farmer’s Day celebration and also as part of the university’s industry engagement initiative dubbed ‘Business Matters | Insight 360’.

The event served as a platform to offer the youth insight into the development of the agricultural value chain and agribusiness programmes. Speakers at the forum included representatives from Yara International, Blue Skies, TechShelta, Sowgreen, McDaniels Organic Food and Horticultural Services and Elohim Farms.

Dr Lucy Agyepong, Associate Dean, Faculty of Engineering who spoke at the forum remarked, “the opportunities in the agricultural sector are enormous and helping young people to realize and appreciate how rewarding the sector can be is essential”

She dispelled misconceptions among many people that the agricultural sector is an old-fashioned and less paid industry hence the minimal participation of the youth in the sector.

She said the Academic City Agri-Business Forum was timely to help address these misconceptions through education and building awareness among the youth.

Dr. Agyepong explained that the advancement and accessibility of technology and improved agricultural equipment has significantly contributed to reducing industry barriers and enabled industry players to build sustainable businesses in the sector.

“The sector has and will remain a key source of income and it is vital that young people are introduced to this important sector,” she said.

As part of efforts to support the agricultural sector in Ghana, the first year students of Academic City in their ‘Doing Business in Africa’ and ‘Technology and Society’ class project have engaged the farmers of Bnari Farms, a local farming community located at Haatso to understand their problems and develop solutions to address them. The students have since presented to the Executives of Bnari Farms practical ideas which helped solve an immediate challenge.

The agricultural sector is a key driver of world economies thus influencing many sectors.

According to World Bank, Africa’s agricultural industry will be worth one trillion dollars ($1 trillion) in the year 2030. In this regard, the relevance of the industry to significantly contribute to creating employment opportunities and reducing poverty in Africa cannot be overemphasized.