Ashanti Region, Ghana

Fairtrade Africa is calling for bold policy reforms to revitalize cocoa farming by placing young people at the heart of the industry’s future. At a stakeholder forum held in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, the organization urged government and private sector leaders to rethink how land, finance, and technology are made accessible to the next generation of farmers.

With the average cocoa farmer now over 55 years old, the sector faces a looming generational crisis. Fairtrade Africa proposed solutions including affordable land leasing schemes, youth-focused microfinance programs, and incentives for intercropping to diversify income. The group also emphasized the importance of digital tools—such as mobile apps for market prices and weather forecasting—to make farming more efficient and appealing.

The initiative is part of a broader push to make agriculture a viable and dignified career path for young Africans, especially in rural communities. By investing in youth, Fairtrade Africa believes Ghana can secure the long-term sustainability of its cocoa industry and boost rural economies.