Analysing the Effectiveness of Agricultural Radio Programmes on Youth Engagement in Agriculture in Ghana: Evidence from Kumbungu District

Abstract

Radio plays a critical role in the dissemination and adoption of agricultural innovations among various stakeholders, particularly among rural farmers. The study determined the effectiveness of agricultural radio programmes on youth engagement in agriculture in Ghana. It draws some insights from agricultural knowledge gained by farmers (youth) through the radio programs in Kumbungu District. The study employed a descriptive survey design using quantitative data collection methods and analytical techniques with 100 surveys in the Kumbungu district. The findings established that the majority of the farmers indicated that they are satisfied with the knowledge gained from the programme, as it had improved the use of agricultural technologies and best farming methods in the area. It was also found that the programme has positively impacted the lives of farmers in the study areas. Also, the findings established that youth (farmers) adopted the information disseminated through radio, which was found to be highly relevant (70%) to their needs. The results, however, established that the programmes do not focus specifically on the youth. However, the study indicated that the programmes do not specifically target the youth, but are generally designed for all farmers. The study therefore recommends that the government and other development partners should strengthen efforts to design and implement policies that prioritize youth development in the agricultural sector. Additionally, the study calls for government and stakeholders to establish radio programmes that specifically support capacity-building initiatives to change youth perceptions and enhance their knowledge and skills about agriculture.