A recent JobAgri project workshop in Ghana, led by the ILO with government, social partners and technical experts, highlights that while agriculture remains one of the country’s largest employers, significant challenges persist in job quality, productivity and equity. The findings show that most agricultural work is carried out by family labour within smallholder households, with very low levels of formal employment and widespread reliance on multiple income sources. Although larger farms tend to achieve higher productivity and incomes, smallholders continue to face high input costs and climate-related risks that limit profitability.
The report also highlights deep-rooted gender inequalities, with women more likely to be engaged in casual, seasonal and lower-paid work, while men dominate permanent and skilled roles. In addition, corporate farms, despite higher investment and mechanization, contribute very little to overall employment and have in some cases been linked to reduced labour demand and land access tensions.
Beyond farming, agri-food value chains offer better earnings, particularly for young people, but most jobs remain informal with limited contracts, weak labour protections and minimal union representation. Stakeholders emphasized the need for stronger gender-responsive policies, improved labour standards, expanded opportunities in small-scale agribusiness, and greater use of technology to attract youth. Overall, the sector is seen as having strong potential for transformation if productivity gains are matched with more inclusive and secure employment opportunities.
