Publication: The Future of Work in Agriculture: Some Reflections
Date
2020-03-10
ISSN
Published
2020-03-10
Author(s)
Abstract
As countries develop (and food
saturation takes hold), agriculture’s role as domestic
employer declines. But the broader agri-food system (AFS)
also expands, and the scope for agriculture-related job
creation shifts beyond the farm. Historically, technological
revolutions both have shaped and have been shaped by these
dynamics. Today, a digital revolution is taking hold,
affecting agricultural labor and skill demands. In this
process, societies evolve from having a surplus to a
shortage of domestic farm labor, typically met largely by
foreign agricultural wage workers. Yet, anti-immigration
sentiments are flying high in migrant-destination countries,
and robots in the fields and packing plants offer an
alternative. Agricultural trade may be similarly challenged.
In the world’s poorest countries, particularly in Africa,
labor productivity in agriculture remains at historically
low levels. So, what can the role of agriculture as a source
of employment be in the future? This viewpoint elaborates on
these trends and reviews a number of policy options,
including inclusive value chain development, better
immigration policies, social insurance schemes and ramp up
in agricultural education and extension.
Citation
“Christiaensen, Luc; Rutledge, Zachariah; Taylor, J. Edward. 2020. The Future of Work in Agriculture; The Future of Work in Agriculture : Some Reflections. Jobs Working Paper;No. 40. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/33704 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”