The Future of Work in Agriculture: Some Reflections

Abstract

The Policy Research Working Paper Series disseminates the findings of work in progress to encourage the exchange of ideas about development issues. An objective of the series is to get the findings out quickly, even if the presentations are less than fully polished. The papers carry the names of the authors and should be cited accordingly. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this paper are entirely those of the authors. They do not necessarily represent the views of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/World Bank and its affiliated organizations, or those of the Executive Directors of the World Bank or the governments they represent.

Rural school access and the agricultural transformation

“…Understanding the mechanisms leading to agricultural transformation is critical for urban and rural planning, particularly as global economies become increasingly connected through trade and migration. It is imperative that industries and policymakers prepare for the agricultural transformation by connecting consumers and producers across industries and training workers for tasks in new sectors of work (Christiaensen, Rutledge, & Taylor, 2020; Schultz, 1956; Timmer, 1988). Policymakers and industry leaders can better prepare for economic transitions if they understand contributing factors to the agricultural transformation, including the effects of school supply and human capital accumulation on labor sector choice and migration.…”

Women’s participation and earnings differentials in the agribusiness labor market

“…Esta evolução também se refletiu de forma significativa no mercado de trabalho da cadeia do agronegócio brasileiro, que tem se tornado relativamente menos rural (Castro 2018). Conforme Christiaensen et al (2020), à medida que os países se desenvolvem e ocorre a saturação alimentar, é normal que o papel do setor agrícola como empregador diminua, ao passo que com a expansão da cadeia do agronegócio, o papel de geração de empregos relacionados à agricultura se desloca para além do campo. Segundo Sachs & Alston (2010), as diversas mudanças na agricultura, como a globalização dos mercados, o declínio dos subsídios ao comércio, a concentração da produção agrícola, entre outras, afetam a questão de gênero no que tange ao mercado de trabalho.…”

Dynamics of Agricultural Labour in Small-Farm Economy: Work, Gender and Technologies in Cotton Production in Telangana

“…The next breakthrough in agriculture, the 'digital revolution', is predicted to influence far-reaching changes in the nature of agricultural work and the profile of skills (Rotz et al 2019;Christiaensen et al 2020). This technological leap which is powered by the innovations in farming using both artificial intelligence and mechanical engineering 1 is already ongoing and still evolving.…”

“…This technological leap which is powered by the innovations in farming using both artificial intelligence and mechanical engineering 1 is already ongoing and still evolving. Researchers are analysing the impacts of the adoption of precision farming technologies including precision livestock farming, automated milking systems and other 'smart solutions' including robots, sensors, drones, etc., in the developed countries contexts (Rojo-Gimeno et al 2019;Vik et al 2019;Rotz et al 2019;Christiaensen et al 2020). In India, satellite 1 3…”