Empowering Ghana’s Young Farmers: Our Outgrower Scheme in Action

• Admin

🌾 Introduction

In Ghana, agriculture has traditionally been the backbone of rural livelihoods. Yet, many young people have moved away from farming due to limited support, outdated methods, and lack of access to profitable markets. At EA. Aquaye Farms Ltd, we saw this challenge not as a barrier, but as an opportunity — and our solution was the Youth Outgrower Scheme.

Launched in 2020 and expanded in 2023, this program has become a beacon of hope for young farmers across the Central Region and beyond, helping them reclaim agriculture as a modern, profitable, and purpose-driven career.

🌱 What is the Outgrower Scheme?

The Outgrower Scheme is a youth-focused empowerment program that connects smallholder farmers—especially the youth—with training, farm inputs, technical support, and guaranteed markets.

Key features include:

• Access to land and inputs (seeds, tools, organic fertilizer)

• Technical training in modern farming and agribusiness

• Mentorship from experienced agronomists

• Buy-back guarantees to reduce market risk

Our team works closely with local authorities, chiefs, and farming cooperatives to identify passionate youth who are ready to invest effort into a meaningful career in agriculture.

📍 The Impact So Far

By mid-2022, the Outgrower Scheme had directly impacted over 120 young farmers across districts like Agona West, Mfantseman, and Twifo Atti-Morkwa.

📈 Highlights:

• Yield increase: Average farm yields increased by 30–40% after training and input support.

• Income growth: Farmers reported up to 50% rise in earnings after guaranteed market sales.

• Gender inclusion: Over 40% of participants are young women.

• Retention: 90% of participants continued farming independently after their first year.

One standout story is that of Kwame Mensah, a 26-year-old who went from unemployed graduate to successful okra farmer, now supplying restaurants in Cape Coast. He’s also training two new farmers through a peer-led model.

🤝 Partnerships & Community Support

We couldn't do it alone. Our Outgrower Scheme is supported by:

• Local Assemblies & Youth Councils

• Input suppliers providing subsidized materials

• Buyers and cooperatives offering market access

This collaborative approach ensures the sustainability and scalability of the program.

📍 What's Next?

Looking ahead to 2025, we plan to:

• Expand to three new regions

• Introduce digital extension services

• Launch a Youth Agri-Fund for micro-loans

The goal is simple: empower 1,000 young farmers by 2026, making agriculture cool, smart, and economically viable.

💬 Final Thoughts

At EA. Aquaye Farms Ltd, we believe that when young people lead the farm, they feed the future. Our Outgrower Scheme is not just about farming — it’s about building leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers rooted in the soil of Ghana.