Kasoa’s Mankrado Makes a Strong Case for Youth in Agriculture
The Mankrado of Kasoa Kwao-Mensah Krom, Nana Otuboah Kwesi Gariba, has delivered a timely appeal to the town’s young residents: turn your attention to agriculture as a viable path to improved livelihoods. In a statement reflecting concerns about economic opportunities for youth and the broader social fabric, the traditional ruler urged young people to view farming not just as a backup option, but as a dynamic, modern enterprise that can generate wealth, create jobs, and foster community resilience.
Gariba’s call comes at a moment when many graduates and young professionals in Kasoa face a challenging job market and heavy competition for limited white-collar positions. By highlighting agriculture, he emphasized that smart, tech-enabled farming, value addition, and agro-processing can transform rural-urban economies and reduce unemployment pressures in fast-growing towns like Kasoa.
Addressing the Water Crisis: Why Agriculture Needs Sustainable Practices
The Mankrado did not speak in isolation. He paired his encouragement with a sober warning about a looming water crisis that could threaten both crops and livelihoods. Water scarcity, driven by climate variability and urban expansion, poses a real risk to farming communities across the region. Gariba urged farmers, young and old, to adopt water-efficient farming techniques, conservation practices, and rainwater harvesting to ensure a reliable supply for irrigation and household use.
Experts note that sustainable water management is integral to a thriving agricultural sector. The Mankrado’s message aligns with broader efforts to promote irrigation efficiency, soil health, and crop diversification. By encouraging youth involvement in agriculture, Kasoa could see an influx of fresh ideas—ranging from drip irrigation systems to solar-powered pumps—that reduce water loss and increase yields even under challenging conditions.
Practical Steps for Youth Without Delaying Education
Gariba outlined practical avenues for youth to engage with farming without sacrificing their education or long-term ambitions. These steps include:
– Partnering with established farmers to learn best practices and gain hands-on experience.
– Exploring agro-processing opportunities such as drying, packaging, and value-added products that command higher market prices.
– Leveraging digital platforms to access markets, finance, and training programs.
– Forming youth-led farming cooperatives to pool resources, share equipment, and access credit.
In addition to training and partnerships, the Mankrado encouraged entrepreneurs to tap into local and regional markets, including schools, hospitals, and urban markets, where demand for fresh, locally produced foods remains strong. The idea is to build a pipeline that sustains youth-oriented agricultural ventures beyond seasonal cycles.
Community Support and Government Role
While the call to youth is central, Gariba also appealed to community leaders, families, and policymakers to create an enabling environment for young farmers. This includes improving access to affordable inputs, providing mentorship programs, and ensuring land tenure security where appropriate. Government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private sector partners can play critical roles by offering grants, technical training, and microfinance facilities tailored to aspiring young farmers.
Local authorities in Kasoa have already shown willingness to engage with agricultural initiatives. The Mankrado’s message serves as a catalyst for more structured youth programs that combine entrepreneurship with sustainable farming practices, ensuring that Kasoa remains resilient in the face of environmental and economic changes.
Looking Ahead: A Future Where Agriculture Drives Prosperity
Ultimately, Nana Otuboah Kwesi Gariba’s remarks frame agriculture not merely as a fallback option but as a forward-looking business that can empower a new generation. If embraced, the initiative could help diversify Kasoa’s economy, create meaningful employment, and safeguard livelihoods against water shortages and climate-related risks.
As young people consider their next steps, the Mankrado’s call to action is clear: cultivate skills, embrace innovation, and invest in farming as a cornerstone of livelihood and community resilience. The future of Kasoa, it seems, may well depend on the next generation’s willingness to seed sustainable growth in the fields as much as in the cities.
