Agricultural Employment Research Articles

HOW DOES TRADE IN DIGITALLY DELIVERED SERVICES AFFECT EMPLOYMENT IN AFRICA?

The rapid advancement of technology and the increasing accessibility of the Internet are driving changes in various economic activities, including international trade. This study explores the relationship between digital trade and employment across 30 African countries from 2009 to 2020, with a particular focus on the role of digitally delivered services as a proxy for digital trade. Utilizing panel data and employing PCSE and IV-2SLS estimation techniques, the findings reveal that while the expansion of digitally delivered services may contribute to a reduction in formal employment, it also fosters growth in the industrial and services sectors, while exerting downward pressure on employment in agriculture. These results are robust and highlight the sector-specific dynamics of digital trade’s impact on labor markets.

Relationship between Agriculture Growth and the Unemployment Rate in Iraq (1991–2022)

Purpose: The objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between agriculture development and unemployment rate for the period of 1991-2-2022 in Iraq. Theoretical framework: In the context of agricultural employment, agriculture is recognised as a crucial component of economic advancement and emphasises the significance of efficiently utilising all available resources, including human resources (Alsudani & Al-Hiyali, 2021). Moreover, the growth of agricultural and the unemployment rate have been used as two indicators to evaluate the significance of the agriculture sector(Jongerden et al., 2019). Design/methodology/approach: In order to examine whether there exists a real correlation between unemployment rate and agriculture growth in Iraq, we utilize yearly secondary data and apply extensive methodology that includes unit root tests, correlation analysis, co-integration tests, and the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach. Findings: the results of emperical examinations highlight a negative relationship between agricultural growth and the unemployment rate; that is, as agriculture growth increases, so does the unemployment rate decrease. Research, Practical & Social implications: The findings can provide insights for well-informed policy decisions and strategies to promote sustainable growth and employment generation in Iraq. In addition, for future research we suggest to include more macroeconomic variables in oreder to have intensive understanding real impacts of agriculture sector on economic growth and laboure force of countries. Originality/value: The results document that the connection between both agriculture development and unemployment rate is not positive, it means that unemployment rate will decrease if growth in agriculture increase.

Empowering rural South Asia: Off-grid solar PV, electricity accessibility, and sustainable agriculture

This study investigates the impact of off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on electricity accessibility and agricultural sustainability in rural South Asia, employing panel data methodology: least square dummy variable (LSDV) and Lewbel instrumental variable (IV) approach. The findings demonstrate a robust positive association between solar PV adoption and increased electricity access, even when accounting for individual and period-specific factors. Increased electricity access significantly contributes to higher agricultural value added per worker, but not necessarily to the overall share of agriculture in the economy. This analysis also reveals a positive and significant impact of solar PV (SPV) on agricultural value added per worker, independent of rural electrification levels. Heterogeneities across time and context, along with country-specific factors, play crucial roles in shaping these relationships. While factors like government effectiveness and GDP per capita have complex and sometimes counterintuitive effects, access to land, agricultural employment, and capital investments all contribute positively to agricultural sustainability. The Lewbel IV method offers strong impact of SPV on electrification, independent of external factors, and its direct contribution to agricultural output, make it a compelling tool for empowering rural communities and building a more sustainable future in South Asia. Robustness of the result is validated through three approaches: measuring variable averages at three-year sub-periods, applying three-stage least squares (3SLS), and utilizing alternative methods (panel corrected standard errors (PCSE), feasible generalized least squares (FGLS)) to consider various data characteristics. Off-grid solar PV emerges as a game-changer for rural electrification and a catalyst for sustainable agricultural development in South Asia. Governments and development agencies can prioritize investments in solar PV systems to address energy poverty and boost agricultural productivity.

Validation and psychometric evaluation of the French version of the recovery experience questionnaire: internal consistency and validity assessment.

Entrepreneurs often experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout due to the demanding nature of their professional activities. Therefore, recovery from work-related stress is a relevant activity for entrepreneurs. The Recovery Experience Questionnaire (REQ) is a widely used 16-item self-reported measure covering four recovery factors: psychological detachment from work, relaxation, mastery, and control. The present study addresses the validation of a French version of the REQ. A total of 1,043 French entrepreneurs from various sectors participated in this study. Internal consistency and correlations were examined to assess the psychometric properties of the French version of the REQ. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to validate the four-factor structure of the REQ, with seven error covariances added to improve model fit. The French version of the REQ demonstrated good internal consistency (psychological detachment: α = 0.88, relaxation: α = 0.91, mastery: α = 0.90, control: α = 0.91). CFA supported that the four-factor structure was confirmed based on the following data: RMSEA = 0.071 (95% CI [0.066, 0.077]), CFI/TLI = 0.955/0.950, SRMR = 0.050, and χ2 (108) = 593.861, p < 0.001. Significant correlations were found between REQ scores and health indicators such as stress, loneliness, physical health, mental health, and sleep quality. The results confirm that the REQ is a valid and reliable measure for assessing recovery experiences among French entrepreneurs. We conclude that the REQ is a valid measure and a useful tool for research on entrepreneurs' general health. Additionally, the validated French version of the REQ can be applied to other working populations, making it a versatile instrument for evaluating health and recovery in diverse occupational settings. To support this claim, we conducted the same validation analysis on a sample of 1,231 French agricultural employees, again showing that REQ is a valid and reliable measure for assessing recovery experiences.

Comparing the Effects of Information Globalization on Agricultural Producer Prices in Developing and Developed Countries

Existing studies claim that the Internet of Things (IoTs) raises agricultural producer prices while others claim the contrary. Meanwhile, no studies have been conducted to investigate the impact of IoTs at the macro level, as represented by information globalization. The main objective of this study is to determine the impact of information globalization on agricultural producer prices in developing and developed countries. This study used time series data from 1991 to 2020 and cross-section data from 66 developing and 26 developed countries. The data was analyzed using two-stage least squares. The first stage of analysis shows that pesticides and farm machinery increase agricultural production in developing and developed countries, while employment in agriculture, forestry, and fishing has the opposite effect. Meanwhile, nutrient nitrogen, manure, and irrigation have differing effects on agricultural production in the two areas. The second stage of analysis shows that agricultural producer prices in developing and developed countries will rise when agricultural production, agricultural import, and human capital increase. Agricultural value-added, food consumer price inflation and population growth have varying impacts on agricultural producer prices. Meanwhile, the main variable investigated in this study, information globalization, has been proven to increase agricultural producer prices in both developing and developed countries.

Maternal employment in high-value agriculture and child nutrition: Evidence from the Ethiopian cut-flower industry

In many low- and middle-income countries, agri-food supply chains are transforming rapidly. One important feature of this transformation is growth in certain high-value agricultural subsectors, such as horticulture and cut-flowers for export. Growth in high-value agriculture often creates new employment opportunities, especially for women. More employment can lead to higher rural incomes, but the broader implications for social welfare are not yet sufficiently understood. Here, we use survey data from Ethiopia to investigate the effects of women’s employment in floriculture on child nutrition, focusing on children aged 0–5 years. We develop and estimate endogenous switching regressions to account for possible endogeneity. Our results suggest that maternal employment in floriculture negatively affects child height-for-age and weight-for-age z-scores (HAZ and WAZ). Exploration of the underlying mechanisms reveals that floriculture employment may influence time allocation, dietary quality, income, and female financial autonomy. Maternal employment is negatively associated with time spent on childcare and consumption of animal-sourced foods.

Cultivating prosperity: assessing the effects of fertiliser consumption, employment in agriculture, foreign direct investment, and exchange rates on value-added agriculture in SAARC nations

Cultivating prosperity: assessing the effects of fertiliser consumption, employment in agriculture, foreign direct investment, and exchange rates on value-added agriculture in SAARC nations

Evolution of Food Trade Networks from a Comparative Perspective: An Examination of China, the United States, Russia, the European Union, and African Countries.

In the intricate landscape of the global food system, a nuanced understanding of dynamic evolution patterns and driving mechanisms of food trade network is essential for advancing insights into the African food trade and maintaining the food security of Africa. This paper constructs a framework for analyzing the food trade network from a comparative perspective by comparing and analyzing the evolution of food trade networks in China, the United States, Russia, the European Union, and African countries. The development trend of food trade between China, Russia, the United States, the European Union, and African countries is relatively good. China, the United States, Russia, and the European Union export far more food to African countries than they import, and bilateral food trade plays an important role in alleviating food supply shortages in Africa. The food trade networks between China, the United States, Russia, the European Union, and African countries exhibit a butterfly-shaped structure centered in Africa, and the overall intensity of bilateral trade linkages is gradually increasing. France has the greatest control over the food trade network between China, the United States, Russia, the European Union, and African countries, and the influence of the United States on the food trade network between China, the United States, Russia, the European Union, and African countries is increasing. China's independence in the food trade network between China, the United States, Russia, the European Union, and African countries is enhanced, but its control ability is limited. The impact of differences in total population, differences in food production, and geographical borders on the trade network between China, the United States, the European Union, and African countries tends to decrease, while the influence of differences in the proportion of agricultural employment, differences in the arable land available for food production, and institutional distance tends to increase.

A Study on The Relationship Between Organic Agriculture and Agricultural Employment in Türkiye

Organic agriculture is a sustainable agricultural system with different principles that is carried out within the scope of certain rules. Due to the substitution of organic inputs with chemical inputs, getting the products ready for sale, weed control, and similar operations by hand, enterprises engaged in organic farming require a larger labor force. All these jobs increase employment opportunities in rural areas and allow small family businesses to continue production. In this study, it has been tried to reveal the relationship between organic agriculture and agricultural employment with the help of an econometric model and to determine the effect of organic agriculture on employment. The study analyzed a 17-year time series of data spanning from 2004 to 2021 to identify the factors influencing agricultural employment, taking into account various aspects of organic agriculture, including the number of organic agricultural products, the count of farmers engaged in organic agriculture, the area dedicated to organic agricultural production, the organic wild collection area, the total area allocated for organic agricultural production, the quantity of organic agricultural production, the number of entrepreneurs involved in organic agriculture, the unit price of subsidy for organic agriculture, and the total amount of subsidy provided to organic agriculture. Based on the results of the regression analysis, it was determined that the number of organic products does not have a significant effect on agricultural employment. In addition, it was found that the wild harvesting area is positively significant for agricultural employment and that the total production area of organic agriculture and the amount of subsidy are negatively significant. The results of the research reveal that a 1% increase in the wild harvesting area related to organic agriculture would lead to an increase of more than 0.28% in the agricultural employment rate, while a 1% increase in the total production area and the amount of subsidy would lead to a decrease of 0.40% and 0.44% in the agricultural employment rate, respectively.

Large-scale agricultural investments, employment opportunities and communal conflict

Large-scale agricultural investments, employment opportunities and communal conflict

Rural infrastructure development in the context of seasonal employment in agriculture of the Russian Federation

The article examines the little-studied issue of seasonal employment in the agricultural economy as a vector of the employment category, the importance of which increases every year. In this regard, the purpose of the study is to develop proposals for improving state regulation of social protection issues for seasonal workers in agriculture. The long-overdue issues of regulating the labor relations of Russian agricultural producers with workers employed for seasonal work in terms of social guarantees require timely solutions. Also on the agenda are the acute problems of providing basic living conditions for the employees involved, especially with regard to housing conditions, transport and telecommunications infrastructure. As of the end of 2022, only 72 % of rural settlements have paved roads connected to the public road network, and the proportion of households in rural settlements with Internet access amounted to 81.2 %. The scientific novelty of the research consists in the development of specific measures of state participation in the development of basic rural infrastructure and the creation of favorable living conditions for seasonal workers in agricultural production. In particular, measures are proposed to stimulate the involvement of seasonal workers with the prospect of improving housing conditions. The use of the mechanism of concession agreements in terms of the development of transport infrastructure and the application of proven foreign practices in the development of telecommunications infrastructure, taking into account the consolidation at the legislative level, will allow the most effective use of the workforce of seasonal workers in the agricultural sector.

Evaluating the Impact of Mini Dams on Agricultural Production and Socio-economic Conditions: A Case Study of Latamber’s Dam District Karak (Pakistan)

Water scarcity is an escalating global concern, and Pakistan is no exception, facing increasing water crises and growing demand. Effective water supply is crucial for the development of any area. Mini dams not only provide water for irrigation but also support domestic uses. This study evaluates the impact of mini dams on agricultural productivity in Latamber village, focusing on crop yield, land use and land cover (LULC) changes, and socio-economic conditions. A multifaceted methodology, including field surveys, departmental data collection, questionnaires, and remote sensing, was employed. Data collected through questionnaires and farmer interviews highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of mini dams. Statistical analysis and image processing revealed significant expansions in cultivation areas for crops like maize and rice, alongside increases in wheat yield and the adoption of new vegetable crops during the Rabi season. Additionally, socioeconomic benefits, such as enhanced agricultural incomes and employment opportunities, were observed due to improved water availability and irrigation technologies. The study emphasizes the importance of evaluating the impact of mini dams on agricultural production and socio-economic conditions to inform sustainable water resource management strategies, which are vital for the long-term development of similar regions.

Estimating the impact of wildlife damage compensation policy on farmers’ incomes

At present, the conflict between humans and wildlife in China is becoming more serious, and the wildlife damage compensation policy, as an important part of the ecological compensation system, has become an important means to alleviate the contradiction between wildlife protection and farm household development. This study empirically examines the mechanism of action and analyses the impact of the pilot wildlife damage compensation policy on farmers’ incomes, using Chinese provincial panel data from 2004 to 2021, and employing synthetic control methods, double difference models and moderated effects models. The results show that: (1) At the provincial level, the wildlife damage compensation policy can significantly increase farmers’ income by 16.7 %, which has been validated through a series of robustness tests. (2) Further analysis using micro-survey data shows that the wildlife compensation policy significantly increases farmers’ income by 22.5 %. (3) Mechanism analysis reveals that the wildlife damage compensation policy can increase rural agricultural employment by 4.3 %, thereby increasing farmers’ income. (4) Heterogeneity analyses indicate that wildlife damage compensation policy has different effects on farmers’ income. Among these, the impact on low-income farmers is more pronounced. Understanding the impact and heterogeneity of wildlife damage compensation policy on farmers’ income can facilitate the design of targeted compensation policies to address the mismatch between conservation and development, thereby achieving the policy objective of promoting a symbiotic coexistence between wildlife conservation and farmers’ economic interests.

Addressing Vaccination Gaps through Student-Led Initiatives: A Study of Stanford Vax Crew's Impact

Background: Although vaccines are critical to disease prevention, substantial gaps persist in adult vaccination coverage in the United States due, in part, to material and social barriers. Farmworkers face unique challenges to accessing vaccination services, such as migratory residence, immigration status, low levels of insurance, and geographic distance from clinics, many of which were exacerbated during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Student-driven, community-focused programs offer a potential mechanism to enhance vaccine equity. Stanford Vax Crew is a student-led organization that partners with community organizations to host pop-up vaccine clinics, which aim to (1) address the material barriers that impact vaccination status, (2) establish trust in vaccine services, and (3) equip future medical professionals with skills to engage in community health initiatives. Methods: This paper describes the strategies used by the organization to reach surrounding communities with vaccines, especially agricultural workers. It assesses the reach of the program through analysis of demographic data collected at pop-up clinics. Results: From August 2021 to March 2023, the majority of COVID-19 vaccine recipients were middle-aged adults (61%) of Hispanic ethnicity (82%) working in the agricultural, forestry, or fishing industries (58%). In total, 1377 COVID-19 vaccines were administered by Stanford Vax Crew. Conclusions: Findings suggest that Stanford Vax Crew's partnerships with diverse institutions helped facilitate access and build trust, thereby enhancing vaccine uptake. Partnership with agricultural employers and community-based organizations targeted farmworkers, which enabled the group to host clinics on farms immediately before and after work hours, which proved especially effective for reaching agricultural workers.

Environmental impacts generated by the hydroelectric power plant El Quimbo - Colombia. An ex-post evaluation

Introduction: Hydroelectric power plants are the most demanded source of electrical energy worldwide after the year 2000. Objective: This article identified the environmental impacts generated by the construction and operation of the El Quimbo hydroelectric power plant in the area of influence in southern Colombia from an ex-post perspective. Methodology: The study was of a mixed nature, under the deductive and descriptive method using information gathering techniques such as documentary analysis, open and participatory reconnaissance and the Delphi survey. Results: A total of eighty-eight (88) environmental impacts were identified in the physical, biotic and socioeconomic spheres. In the physical dimension, aspects such as decreased river flow and land flooding were found; in the biotic dimension, aspects such as increased displacement of terrestrial fauna and increased mortality of native species of terrestrial flora and fauna were identified; and in the socioeconomic field, decreased agricultural employment and increased cost of living were highlighted. Conclusions: We conclude with the identification of a greater number of negative impacts in the socioeconomic dimension compared to the impacts in the physical and biotic fields.

Assessment of farmland fragmentation and the role of the legal regulations for the prevention of farmland fragmentation in Türki̇ye

This research delves into the urgent issue of farmland fragmentation in Türkiye, highlighting the necessity for farmland consolidation and the crucial role of legal regulation in preventing farmland fragmentation. Despite official data revealing an average farmland size of 7.0 parcels per household in 2016, small-scale farms persist. This issue, a significant obstacle for the agricultural sector, requires immediate attention. Given the uneven land distribution, the study employed mixed methods using primary and secondary data, revealing the need to increase the average farm size. The findings underscore the urgent nature of land fragmentation, exacerbated by population growth and lack of motivation in agricultural employment opportunities. Addressing these issues is not straightforward, as they involve legal complexities. However, the research proposes that land consolidation projects and regulations authorising land transfers based on farm size, revenue, and economic integrity could significantly alleviate arable land fragmentation due to inheritance and sales. The study also highlights the potential positive impact of these new regulations on land tenure, land management, local land markets and land resources sustainability. These findings are pivotal for comprehending the current state of land fragmentation and its implications for the agricultural sector in Türkiye.

Investigating the Role of Political Messaging on Preferences for Local Food Products in the United States

AbstractThis study investigates whether wording a promotional marketing message as originating from the US government vs. the US president impacts consumers’ responsiveness to the message. Using a discrete choice experiment, it examines consumer responsiveness to President Biden’s order promoting domestic production. Results indicate that consumers are willing to pay a premium for domestically produced tomatoes, with variations based on political affiliations and product attributes like organic labeling and farm employment practices. However, findings on the significance of information treatment effects are mixed, suggesting that consumer responsiveness is unaffected by wording the message as originating from a broad political body vs. a specific politician.

Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant impact on regional economies from 1960 to 2010

Understanding the economic and social impact of nuclear power on a region is crucial; this is particularly important for Fukushima because the region relies on nuclear power and its sustainable recovery following the nuclear accident at Fukushima Daiichi. However, existing studies do not reveal any consensus on the economic impact of nuclear power plants. Further, long-term time-series data for conducting such an analysis are lacking; so, for this study, a long-term database from 1960 to 2010 was constructed (before the earthquake and nuclear power plant accidents happened in 2011). The data were analyzed to evaluate the effects of the nuclear power plants on employment in various sectors in Fukushima, using the difference-in-differences (DID) and staggered DID methods. Unlike previous studies, this study revealed that nuclear power surprisingly increased agricultural employment (892.62 more jobs) while reducing manufacturing employment (−466.40 fewer jobs) due to crowding-out effects. Furthermore, although employment in the construction sector also increased, the impact was temporary. These findings highlight the complex economic dynamics triggered by the presence of a nuclear power plant, which may have significant implications for long-term recovery strategies in the region. Despite the positive impacts on certain sectors, the negative effects on manufacturing underscore the need for careful consideration in future economic planning and recovery efforts. The study's findings provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by regions hosting nuclear power plants, which must be considered for long-term recovery.

Investment in people, talent revitalization and organizational performance among agricultural employees in China: Basis for talent retention framework

Investment in people, talent revitalization and organizational performance among agricultural employees in China: Basis for talent retention framework

Agricultural Technological Change, Female Earnings and Fertility: Evidence from Brazil

Abstract I study how agricultural technological change affects labour market opportunities and fertility in a developing country context. Exploiting plausibly exogenous variation in the adoption of genetically engineered soy across municipalities in Brazil, I show that this labour-saving technology reduced female agricultural earnings and employment without inducing any female sectoral reallocation. Furthermore, this technology adoption increased fertility due to increases in overall household earnings and substitution effects driven by the reduction in female labour demand. These results suggest that technological progress in developing countries may not improve female economic opportunities or lower fertility unless substitution effects are negative and sufficiently large.