Agriculture not meant for ‘illiterates’ – Mahama to youth

Ghana’s former president, Mr John Dramani Mahama has admonished youth within the African continent to change their views and start seeing farming as a full-time business that could earn them money for their livelihood.

“The perception of most is that agriculture is a back-breaking, dirty work and it is meant for the aged and illiterate rural population”

Delivering a speech on the topic: ” Agriculture is Cool: Engaging Africa’s Youth” at the 52nd Annual Meeting of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in India, the former President bemoaned the wrong perception people have about agriculture.

“This is a great pity because agricultural is a science, it is no longer a way of life, it is a business”

He stated that as an African leader who just left office as President and ECOWAS chair, the perception on agriculture in the continent became a major problem for him.

“One of the most frustration growth statistics for me has been that of agriculture sector” the Ghana’s former head of state revealed.

“Other sectors have been clipping along at quite a fast pace, and in Ghana the service sector overlook agriculture as the largest contributor to GDP 2010”

According to the former President, service now accounts for 54.1% of GDP and agriculture stands at 19.0%. While this is normal for modernizing the economy, agriculture and agribusiness still represent the sector that can soak up the pressure we are all feeling from expanding African youth bulge.