Local economic development initiatives and youth migration decisions: Evidence from Asene Manso Akroso District, Ghana

This study examines how local economic development (LED) initiatives in the Asene Manso Akroso District, Ghana, shape youth interest in the rural economy, particularly in agriculture and related livelihoods. It critically assesses young people’s perceptions of these initiatives, including skills training, entrepreneurship support, and infrastructure development, focusing on their relevance, accessibility and capacity to influence decisions to remain in rural areas rather than migrate to urban centers. Using a concurrent triangulation mixed-methods design, quantitative data were collected via surveys with 305 youth, while qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 15 key informants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, regression modeling, and thematic analysis. The findings reveal a persistent pattern of youth migration from the studied communities to Accra and Kumasi. While youth perceive existing LED initiatives as potentially beneficial, they remain skeptical about their adequacy and long-term viability. Based on these findings, the paper highlights the need for transitioning from fragmented LED interventions to an integrated, district-wide approach that strengthens productive sectors, aligns skills training with local economic opportunities, and fosters greater youth confidence in rural futures. Sustainable reduction of youth migration requires building a resilient, inclusive local economy capable of generating competitive livelihood alternatives to urban migration.