‘We recruit for passion and train for skill’: soft skills, technical skills and employability in the agricultural sector in Ghana

Abstract

This study examines the evolving skills landscape for agricultural employability in Ghana, a country facing high youth unemployment amid a substantial ‘youth bulge’. While technical qualifications and certifications have traditionally been central to human capital development, growing evidence suggests that long-term professional success depends more on soft skills and personal attributes, as technical competencies often function merely as signals of desirable traits. Beyond technical expertise, employers increasingly value social skills, communication, higher-order thinking, self-control and a positive self-concept. Employing a mixed-methods design, including focus group discussions with agribusiness employers, structured surveys with young people, and expert interviews, the study examines (1) employer preferences for soft versus technical skills, (2) the competencies most valued in agriculture and (3) the alignment between youth self-assessments and employer expectations. A key finding is that employers prioritise ‘character-based competencies’ – passion, integrity and a growth mindset – over both traditional soft skills and technical abilities. This insight challenges dominant frameworks of employability and reveals a significant misalignment: while 80 per cent of young people emphasise technical qualifications, employers see technical skills as trainable and place greater importance on character-based traits. The study addresses a critical gap in global South literature, and proposes a new framework to improve employability outcomes in agriculture.