The Royal Danish Embassy Hosts Workshop on TVET in Accra: Fostering Livestock Production Skills for Poverty Reduction

The Royal Danish Embassy, in collaboration with local stakeholders, organized a workshop on Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) in Ghana, which took place Today Tuesday 4th June 2024 at the Denmark Embassy in Accra. The workshop aimed to promote TVET as a vital tool for poverty reduction, with a focus on livestock production skills.

Associate Professor Jacob Hamidu, a renowned expert in animal science from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), facilitated the workshop. He emphasized that investing in livestock production is a crucial step towards poverty reduction, as it has the potential to improve the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians. Professor Hamidu noted that approximately 75-80% of Ghanaians rely on livestock as a source of income, yet livestock production is often considered a retirement activity, rather than a viable career option for young people.

The workshop highlighted the success of Dalum and Denmark technical schools, which prioritize training youth in agriculture from a young age. This approach has led to a skilled workforce that contributes significantly to the economy. In contrast, Ghana’s TVET system has traditionally focused on theoretical knowledge, leaving a gap in practical skills. To address this, the government has invested over 6 billion Ghana cedis in TVET education since 2017, attracting around 100,000 students to entrepreneurship programs.

Mr. Carsten Friis Poulsen, Head of International Division at Dalum Academy and AgriExcellence Academy, also addressed the workshop. He stressed that agriculture requires hands-on experience and practical training, which is often lacking due to an emphasis on theoretical knowledge. To address this, Dalum Academy partners with local educational institutions to customize programs, incorporating international standards and exposing students to practical experience.

The workshop emphasized the importance of TVET in addressing poverty and promoting economic growth. By providing youth with practical skills in livestock production, Ghana can unlock its full agricultural potential and improve the livelihoods of millions. The Royal Danish Embassy’s support for TVET initiatives demonstrates its commitment to promoting sustainable development and poverty reduction in Ghana.

Key takeaways from the workshop include:

– Investing in livestock production is crucial for poverty reduction

– TVET education should prioritize practical skills over theoretical knowledge

– Ghana’s TVET system needs to adapt to meet the demands of the agricultural sector

– International partnerships can provide valuable expertise and resources for TVET initiatives

The workshop concluded with a call to action, urging stakeholders to prioritize TVET education and support initiatives that promote practical skills in livestock production. By working together, Ghana can unlock its full agricultural potential and improve the livelihoods of millions.