STRENGTHEN Publication Series

Skills for Trade and Economic Diversification (STED) in the Yam, Roots and Tubers Sector of Ghana

The value chain development of cassava, yam, cocoyam, potato and sweet potato has been prioritised by the Government of Ghana and other international organisations owing to huge potential that these crops command in the areas of wealth creation, business and trade opportunities, food security and nutrition, foreign exchange earnings, technology development and adoption, partnership and networking, scholarship and entrepreneurship. This study was conducted in Ghana’s yams, roots and tubers exports with the aim of aligning skills policies with value-chain strategies for export growth, economic diversification and employment creation. In general, the analysis focuses on the appropriateness of state and firm-level strategies and activities in enhancing exports, promoting economic diversification, enabling more and better jobs, ensuring that firms (including farms) find workers with the right skills and helping workers acquire the skills needed to find productive employment.