SARD and agricultural workers

This is a policy brief that summarises the barriers to well being faced by agricultural workers and provides policy options based on International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions and international agreements. The brief is based on the principle that agriculture and rural development cannot be sustainable unless those employed in agriculture can maintain sustainable livelihoods, are treated equitably and are guaranteed basic human rights.

The following are identified as the major barriers to the well-being of agricultural workers:

• poverty and food insecurity primarily caused by low wages
• workplace risk caused by machinery and pesticide use, long working hours, high rates of HIV/AIDS, and poor living conditions among others
• denial of the basic human right to freedom of association because workers are often dispersed and employed casually
• high rates of child labour that are attributed to high rates of poverty.

The recommendations that are given below are offered to developing country governments so that they can improve the livelihoods and rights of agricultural workers with a broader goal to achieve sustainable agriculture and rural development.

• Enhancing livelihood security by ensuring effective labour markets and promoting diversification of rural employment.
• Implementation of various ILO codes of practice on workplace health and safety including consultation of workers in developing workplace policies to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and related discrimination.
• Ensuring that agricultural workers are covered by insurance against death, injury and disease.
• Establishment of a national inspection system to enforce labour laws and conditions.
• Support to trade unions and other institutions that represent and assist agricultural workers.
• Recognition of agricultural workers as a distinct occupational group with specific needs and interests.

It is suggested that the inter-linked nature of the barriers experienced by agricultural workers warrants an integrated policy response that incorporates elements of all of the above recommendations.

This brief is part of a series on agriculture issues produced by the Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (SARD) Initiative. Other briefs include: organic agriculture, agriculture trade, role of agriculture in poverty reduction, among others.