Across several West and East African countries, a growing trend sees young professionals abandoning urban job hunts to embrace farming and agribusiness. These shifts have been most notable in Senegal and Ghana, where young entrepreneurs are leveraging agricultural knowledge and microfinance support to establish profitable farms and local food value chains. According to reports, rising urban living expenses and limited formal sector employment have made agriculture more attractive as a sustainable economic path. World Food Program–backed initiatives have provided training, land access, and business planning resources to thousands of participants. Many youths report that farming has not only improved their income but also contributed to local food security and reduced rural migration pressures. Economists suggest this movement could transform food systems and stimulate rural economies if supported with infrastructure and market access.
