Factors affecting the work productivity of Oraon agricultural laborers of Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal

Abstract

In developing countries like India, where the incidence of protein-calorie malnutrition is high and mechanization is at a minimum, human labor provides much of the power for physical activity. This study presents anthropometric measurements, somatotypes, food intakes, energy expenditures, and work outputs of Oraon agricultural laborers of the Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal, in an attempt to identify the factors that predict high work productivity. Specifically, this study investigates 1) the relationship between morphological variation (anthropometric measurements and somatotype) and work productivity, 2) the nature and extent of the relationship between nutritional status and work productivity, and 3) the best predictor variables of work output. Classification of groups on the basis of median values of work output show that in the aggregate, the high productive groups are significantly younger than low-productive groups in both sexes. Before age-adjustment, the high productive groups show higher mean values of a few body dimensions, though these differ by sex, and both males and females exhibit a normal range of blood pressure and pulse rate values. Mean values of grip strength and back strength are higher in high-output men and women. Mean values of both food intake and energy expenditure are also higher among men in high-output groups, with only food intake higher in high-output women. However, after eliminating the effects of age, the differences between low-productive groups and high-productive groups in most of the variables are not significant. Productivity predictors in males consist of age, food intake and chest girth (inhalation). Females, on the other hand, show age and grip strength (left) as work output predictors.

Assessment of nutritional status using anthropometric variables by multivariate analysis

“…Furthermore, in women, undernutrition may cause obstetric complications leading to maternal and infant mortality and increases the probability to give low birth weight babies and thus leading to the undernutrition cycle start again, spanning several generations [3, 9–11]. Besides, a chronic undernutrition also causes a reduced work capacity and ability to sustain economically productive work resulting in low income [12, 13]. Therefore, undernutrition is a critical burden and curse for the development of human being as well as for the society.…”

Impact of dietary intervention with a functional food supplement to combat anemia - the blood iron metabolic disorder among the coffee plantation laborers

“…In developing countries like India, human labor provides much of the power for physical activity. [1] This is due to the high availability of man power in India and the limited extent of per capita land holdings in which mechanization possibilities are meek. The drudgery encountered by manual laborers in various phases is still a major concern in most industries globally.…”