The Future of Work in Agriculture : Some Reflections

Christiaensen, Luc ; Rutledge, Zachariah ; Taylor, J. Edward

World Bank, Washington, DC

关键词: AGRICULTURAL LABOR;    DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY;    AGRICULTURAL VALUE CHAIN;    MIGRATION;    AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION;   

DOI  :  10.1596/1813-9450-9193
RP-ID  :  WPS9193

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: World Bank Open Knowledge Repository

【 摘 要 】

As countries develop (and foodsaturation takes hold), agriculture's role as domesticemployer declines. But the broader agri-food system alsoexpands, and the scope for agriculture-related job creationshifts beyond the farm. Historically, technologicalrevolutions have shaped and been shaped by these dynamics.Today, a digital revolution is taking hold, affectingagricultural labor and skill demands. In this process,societies evolve from having a surplus to a shortage ofdomestic farm labor, typically met largely by foreignagricultural wage workers. Yet, anti-immigration sentimentsare flying high in migrant-destination countries, and robotsin the fields and packing plants offer an alternative.Agricultural trade may be similarly challenged. In theworld's poorest countries, particularly in Africa,labor productivity in agriculture remains at historicallylow levels. So, what can the role of agriculture as a sourceof employment be in the future? This viewpoint elaborates onthese trends and reviews several policy options, includinginclusive value chain development, better immigrationpolicies, social insurance schemes, and ramp up inagricultural education and extension.