The declining labour force is a serious threat to Ghana\u2019s cocoa industry, which was once the pride and foundation of the country\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The youth no longer find cocoa growing as appealing, despite its historical significance. There are several intricate challenges that need to be addressed immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Results of SEND Ghana\u2019s research on gender responsiveness in Ghana have illuminated this matter, exposing a depressing lack of enthusiasm for cocoa growing among the younger generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An important hurdle that keeps young farmers from entering this important sector of the economy is the use of traditional farming methods, which are ingrained in generational norms, as well as inadequate inputs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Senior Programme Manager for SEND Ghana, Harriet Nuamah Agyemang, highlights how urgently the cocoa business needs to innovate and modernize to give young farmers access to modern farming methods and technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She added that \u201cFarming itself is not attractive to young people these days because we are still using our local implements. Farming is still rudimentary for most people, and people don\u2019t want to exert so much energy these days into farming.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mrs. Agyemang further explained that \u201cYoung people think that whatever is due them should be paid and then they would go and procure their inputs for their farms, rather than being given inputs that are inadequate but at the end of the day, the cost of those inputs are being deducted from the money they are given for their beans.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Amidst these urgent worries, groups such as SEND Ghana are raising the alarm and pressuring decision-makers and business stakeholders to tackle the fundamental problems confronting the cocoa industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n