Study of the Labor Resources of Peasant (Farm) Households by Production Type

Abstract

AbstractThe paper presents the research on highlighting the production types of peasant (farm) households and the study of labor resources in their context. The research subject is a system of statistical indicators. The research object is peasant (farm) households in three regions with different agroclimatic conditions. The information base of the research is the microdata form 1-KFH “Information on productive activities of the heads of peasant (farm) households—individual entrepreneurs.” The authors use the grouping method. The scientific novelty of this work consists in the theoretical development and testing of the methodology of allocation of production types of peasant (farm) households and analysis of labor resources by them, which will allow allocating priority directions for the development of small business, labor potential of agriculture, and rural areas. When developing the methodology, the authors studied the experience of the European Union, where the typology developed with the consideration of the specialization of farms was officially approved. The paper characterizes the most common production types at the regional level. Types of peasant (farm) households differ in size, level of intensification, and efficiency of agricultural production. The largest number of permanent workers (including members of peasant (farm) households) per farm and unit of land area and the largest share of hired labor costs in the structure of total costs (from 8 to 11% in the studied regions) are observed in farms with the production direction “dairy cattle breeding.” In turn, labor productivity, evaluated by the total income of peasant (farm) households, in each region is the lowest compared to other types. Considering the unresolved tasks of reaching self-sufficiency thresholds for milk and dairy products (in terms of milk), vegetables and melons, fruits and berries, the increased government support and measures to develop small businesses in the labor-intensive sectors of agriculture will help to solve the problems of food security, increase employment, and preserve the rural way of life.KeywordsPeasant (farm) householdGrouping methodProduction typeAgricultureHuman resourcesTypology of peasant (farm) householdsJEL codesJ43Q12O13