In a bid to promote youth-led agribusiness and strengthen Ghana’s seed systems, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) has supported four enterprising young farmers with start-up capital and foundation seeds to establish seed production enterprises under the CORAF-supported Agricultural Technology Park (ATP) initiative.
In a symbolic ceremony held at CSIR-SARI’s headquarters in Nyankpala, each of the four youth beneficiaries received $500 (equivalent to GHC 5,000) and foundation seed sufficient to cultivate one hectare of land. The intervention is strategically designed to help them establish enterprises in soybean, rice, and hybrid maize seed production—three key crops in Ghana’s food and seed security agenda.
The supported youth include:
• Francis Anafo from Talensi, who will engage in hybrid maize seed production;
• Salamatu Mahamatu from Wa, venturing into soybean seed production;
• Mohamed Seidu from Mion, starting rice seed production; and
• Bamba John from Saboba, also embarking on soybean seed production.
Delivering his remarks, Dr. Francis Kusi, Director of CSIR-SARI and Coordinator of the Agricultural Technology Park, described the initiative as a deliberate step to involve the next generation in high-value agribusiness along the seed value chain.
“Our goal is to help these young people become established seed producers who can not only support their families but also create job opportunities for other youth,” Dr. Kusi noted. “We are not just giving out money and seed—we are making a long-term investment in agricultural transformation through the youth.”
He further announced that CSIR-SARI will monitor their progress closely and provide technical backstopping to guide them throughout the season—from planting to harvesting and marketing.
The beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude for the support. Francis Anafo, speaking on behalf of the group, extended heartfelt appreciation to CORAF and CSIR-SARI for the opportunity.
“This is more than support—it is a breakthrough. We promise to make good use of the seeds and funds and ensure that we become successful seed entrepreneurs. We are grateful to CSIR-SARI and to CORAF for believing in us,” he said.
This youth seed enterprise initiative is part of a broader vision to position the Agricultural Technology Park as a launchpad for inclusive agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship in Northern Ghana. By providing real-world opportunities for young people to engage in agribusiness, CSIR-SARI is helping to reshape the future of agriculture in the region—one youth at a time.
The Agricultural Technology Park continues to serve as a live demonstration hub where proven technologies, including improved seeds and best agronomic practices, are showcased to farmers, policymakers, and development partners.
CSIR-SARI plans to scale up this youth support model in future seasons, with potential replication at its outstations and partner institutions across the country.
