Agriculture remains a major source of employment in Ghana, but new findings show that job growth is still held back by low productivity, informality and inequality.

A recent workshop under the JobAgri project, led by the International Labour Organization, found that most agricultural work is carried out by smallholder families, with limited formal employment and widespread reliance on multiple income sources.

While larger farms tend to be more productive, smallholders continue to face high input costs and climate risks that reduce profitability and job stability.

Gender disparities remain a key concern. Women are more likely to be in casual and lower-paid roles, while men dominate permanent and skilled positions, limiting income equality and access to opportunities.

The report also notes that mechanised, large-scale farms create fewer jobs overall, sometimes reducing labour demand and increasing pressure on land access.

Beyond farming, agri-food value chains offer better income potential—especially for youth—but most roles remain informal, with weak labour protections.

Outlook

Experts say Ghana’s agriculture sector can generate more and better jobs if productivity gains are matched with improved labour standards, stronger support for small agribusinesses and policies that promote inclusion—particularly for women and young people.