Who We Are
Opoakpajor Youth and Development Center (OYDC) is a youth-led agroecology, training, and development organization based in Ghana. We are committed to empowering youth, women, and smallholder farmers with practical skills, knowledge, and innovations that promote sustainable livelihoods, food security, and environmental protection.
OYDC was established in response to the growing challenges of unemployment, high cost of farm inputs, soil degradation, climate change, and limited access to hands-on agricultural training. Our work focuses on practical solutions that are affordable, locally adaptable, and environmentally friendly.
Our Vision
To build resilient communities where youth and farmers thrive through agroecology, innovation, and sustainable livelihoods.
Our Mission
To empower youth, women, and farming communities through practical training, agroecological solutions, and enterprise development that enhance income, food security, and environmental sustainability.
What We Do
OYDC designs and delivers hands-on, income-oriented training programs that emphasize learning by doing. Our core areas of work include:
- Agroecology and organic crop production
- Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming and circular economy solutions
- Sustainable livestock and aquaculture production
- Organic fertilizer, EM technology, and soil health management
- Food processing, value addition, and agribusiness development
- Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and community outreach
- Youth and women livelihood empowerment
- Climate-smart agriculture and farm innovation
Our Approach
Our approach is based on practical learning and local innovation. We emphasize:
- Hands-on demonstrations
- Use of locally available materials
- Low-cost and environmentally friendly technologies
- Peer-to-peer learning and community participation
- Integration of traditional knowledge with modern agroecology
This ensures that participants can apply what they learn immediately in their own communities.
Our Impact
Since its inception, OYDC has trained over 1,500 people in Ghana and more than 300 participants in Côte d’Ivoire in sustainable agroecological livelihoods. Our trainings cover areas such as poultry production, insect farming, fish farming, livestock production, beekeeping, organic farming, food processing, cosmetics production, EM technology, and mushroom farming.
Our Core Values
- Sustainability – Caring for the environment and future generations
- Innovation – Practical solutions to local challenges
- Empowerment – Building skills, confidence, and entrepreneurship
- Inclusiveness – Prioritizing youth and women
- Integrity – Transparency, accountability, and trust
Certification
Participants who successfully complete our training programs receive the
Agroecology Livelihoods Certificate (ALC).