School Farm monitoring visits begin as KIC assesses progress towards National Awards

Monitoring visits for the KIC School Farm Competition have commenced across participating schools nationwide, providing an opportunity to assess the progress of school farms and the practical application of agricultural knowledge by students.

Across the country, participating schools are currently engaged in a range of activities including bed preparation, transplanting, weeding, fertiliser application among others. These activities are providing students with hands-on experience of the different stages of horticultural production while helping them understand the knowledge, discipline and decision-making required to manage a farm.

The monitoring exercise forms part of the assessment process for the School Farm Competition and is being conducted by KIC programme officials in coordination with Regional STEM Coordinators. The teams are assessing the progress and performance of participating schools while also observing how students are applying the agricultural and practical skills gained through the programme.

At its core, the School Farm Competition seeks to change perceptions about agriculture among young people. By moving beyond the classroom and giving students the opportunity to plant, nurture and manage crops, the programme helps them see agriculture not simply as a traditional livelihood, but as a sector with opportunities for careers, entrepreneurship, innovation and research. Originated by Blue Skies Foundation, the School Farm programme is currently being implemented by KIC in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service.

This practical exposure is particularly important for building the foundations of more sustainable food systems. As Africa works to strengthen food security and develop resilient agricultural value chains, engaging young people early can help build a generation with the knowledge, skills and mindset to contribute to the future of food production and agribusiness.

The School Farm Competition therefore represents an investment not only in school-based agriculture, but also in the future of Ghana’s food system—connecting education, practical skills, youth development and food security.

As monitoring continues across participating schools, attention is gradually turning towards the next milestone: the School Farm Competition Awards. The awards will recognise schools and students whose commitment, innovation and performance have distinguished them throughout the competition.