African Governments Urged to Embrace Technology in Agriculture for Youth Empowerment
The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has called on African governments to prioritize innovation and technology in agriculture to empower the youth and transform the continent into the food basket of the world. He made this statement at the Convention and 30th anniversary of the Council of Ewe Associations of North America (CEANA) in Atlanta, Georgia.
Speaking on the theme, ‘Empowering our Youth towards Innovative Entrepreneurship in Transformational Agriculture,’ Speaker Bagbin emphasized the importance of deploying technologies such as GPS, sensors, drones, and data analytics in agriculture. These technologies, he noted, would optimize resource use, monitor crop health, and improve yields, enabling young farmers to make informed decisions based on reliable data.
Bagbin highlighted that today’s youth are technologically savvy, and traditional farming practices may deter them from entering the sector. To attract more young people to agriculture, he urged governments to invest in modernizing agriculture and infusing technology into farming practices.
The Speaker stressed that innovation in agriculture should target waste reduction and address the perennial challenges of crop gluts, low prices, and post-harvest losses. He called for innovative approaches to marketing farm produce, which could support local economies, reduce food miles, and enhance the effectiveness of the food supply chain.
Additionally, Speaker Bagbin emphasized the importance of policies promoting secure land tenure and access for young farmers, along with access to financing through low-interest loans, grants, and subsidies.
He concluded that empowering youth in agriculture requires a holistic approach that encompasses modernization, education, access to resources, policy support, and cultural attitudes.
The Speaker congratulated CEANA on its 30th anniversary and commended the association’s commitment to improving farming practices and developing Ewe communities in Ghana, Togo, and Niger.
Speaker Bagbin’s call for technological innovation in agriculture aligns with the broader recognition that technology can revolutionize the agricultural sector in Africa, attract young talent, and ensure food security for the continent.
