‘You need people, not money’ – Expert urges young people to explore agribusiness

Young individuals seeking to enter the agricultural sector should consider agribusiness without waiting for significant financial resources, according to agricultural development expert, Engr Mahmud Mohammed-Nurudeen. The Executive Director of the Centre for Climate Change & Food Security (CCCFS) and Director of WAJESHA has trained nearly 300 people in 2026 alone to explore opportunities in the agricultural sector.

Mohammed-Nurudeen urged aspiring entrepreneurs to first identify a problem they can solve rather than focusing on immediate profits without understanding the market. He used the example of a woman whose business failed during the COVID-19 pandemic but found new success in selling locally produced rice by identifying a need. The woman sourced rice from producers and supplied it at a profitable price, demonstrating how recognizing an unmet need can lead to business opportunities.

Mohammed-Nurudeen also shared the story of a vegetable farmer who struggled to find customers. Encouraged by Mohammed-Nurudeen, the farmer prepared and distributed flyers at ministries to reach potential customers who might have limited time to visit markets. By offering samples, the farmer secured orders within the first and second weeks, illustrating the importance of understanding customers and actively promoting products.

For Mohammed-Nurudeen, building relationships with people can help aspiring entrepreneurs find customers, gain advice, and identify potential partners before establishing a business. He highlighted his extensive travel across Ghana, establishing connections in nearly 2,500 communities. These relationships continue to provide access to individuals who can help solve problems, and similar networks have opened international doors for him, such as invitations to contribute to projects on climate change and health.