Female Farmworkers Research Articles

Improving Outdoor Thermal Comfort for Agricultural Workers: A Study of Heat Stress Relief Measures Using Sun Protection Lotions

The entire study was carried out on a group of 100 female farm workers at the CTAE university campus in Udaipur during the wheat crop harvesting season, with the aim of examining the effectiveness of various heat stress relief measures (sun protection lotion with different sun protection factors, SPF) in improving outdoor thermal comfort. The experiments were designed to assess the average skin temperature of Indian female farm workers under five fixed Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) conditions (28, 29, 30, 31, 32°C), all falling within the heat stress category as per American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) standards. The mean skin temperature was determined using the Hardy du-bois 7-point model formula, which involved measuring the mean temperature of specific body parts of the 100 female farm workers. A variation of ± 0.5°C was considered due to the challenge of achieving precise thermal conditions in open field settings. The experiment aimed to evaluate the thermal and physiological responses of the participants. The findings revealed that the use of sun protection lotion alone resulted in increased cooling effect, thereby expanding the thermal comfort range. Additionally, the application of sun protection lotion alone reduced the mean skin temperature by 0.39, 0.38, 0.36, 0.30, 0.27°C by the end of the work period.

Lambda-cyhalothrin alters locomotion, mood and memory abilities in Swiss mice

Lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) is a type II pyrethroid widely used in agriculture for plant protection against pests. However, pyrethroids represents a risk for rural female farmworkers, and few studies addressed LCT-behavioural alterations in mice. The present study evaluates the effect of LCT on behaviour of eight weeks aged female mice. Mice were divided into three groups including treated mice that received through gavage (i) 0.5 mg/kg bw and (ii) 2 mg/kg of LCT dissolved in corn oil, and (iii) the vehicle controls. Behavioural tests assess the locomotor activity using open field test, the anxiety by the dark-light box test, the learning memory with novel object recognition test, the memory retention by the elevated plus maze test, and the spatial working memory using the Y-maze test. Subacute treatment with low doses of LCT decreases total distance travelled, induces anxiogenic effect by reducing the time spent in the enlightened compartment, alters memory retention by increasing the latency time, and also affects learning memory by reducing the recognition index parameter. However, LCT does not significantly alter spatial working memory. In conclusion, LCT-treated female mice show an alteration in locomotor activity, mood state and memory abilities probably related to oxidative stress and altered neurotransmission.

Structural Vulnerability and Human Suffering: Pesticides and Self-Reported Pain Among Farmworkers in the United States

Few studies have examined how handling pesticides affects self-reported pain or discomfort, representing a critical yet under-examined dimension of farmworkers’ overall well-being. Guided by the social determinants of health framework, structural violence theory, and a “normalization of suffering” perspective, we ask: (1) what is the relationship between loading, mixing, or applying pesticides and self-reported musculoskeletal pain/discomfort? (2) When controlling for handling pesticides, what factors are associated with self-reported pain? We address these questions by drawing on the National Agricultural Workers Survey and find that handling pesticides within the past year increases the odds of self-reported pain. We also find that female and indigenous farmworkers have higher odds, net of handling pesticides and other occupational, health, and socioeconomic risk factors. Moreover, female farmworkers who handle pesticides report higher odds of pain relative to males who handle pesticides as well as females and males who do not. We conclude by discussing implications for the extant literature on farmworkers and by providing policy recommendations that may help researchers and policymakers better assess the health risks associated with handling pesticides.

ISLAMIC LAW PERSPECTIVE ON GENDER EQUALITY IN IMPROVING FAMILY WELFARE

<p>Gender equality is a global issue that can contribute to improving the country's economy. The role of women in improving family welfare is very important for economic development. Islam has provided space for women to have the right to work. This study analyzes the contribution of female farm workers to family welfare in East Luwu Regency. The contribution is in the form of increasing family income and family financial management strategies. In addition, this study analyzes the perspective of Islamic law on working wives. The method used in this study is a mixed method. Quantitative methods to measure the contribution of female farm workers to family income and qualitative methods to analyze family financial management strategies, as well as the perspective of Islamic law on working wives. The results of the study show that female farm workers greatly contribute to increasing family income. In addition, women farm workers have a good financial management strategy by implementing long-term investments in the form of cattle and children's education. The perspective of Islamic law towards working wives is based on family conditions and situations. Islam does not prohibit wives from working as long as they do not violate Islamic law<strong></strong></p>

Modeling and optimization using artificial neural network and genetic algorithm of self‐propelled machine reach envelope

AbstractSelf‐propelled machinery, which is a crucial component of agricultural mechanization, is essential for enhancing production. Few farming operations involve the operation of riding‐type self‐propelled machinery for a prolonged period of time (6–8 h/day) and in a fluctuating weather condition in field condition. To alleviate the operator's workload, an ergonomically designed self‐propelled reach envelope was developed using various configuration simulator systems. To model the process and achieve the desired output for the development of simulator of self‐propelled machinery, artificial neural network (ANN) technique was employed. The simulator was tested using a range of control lever positions (0–23) and engine speeds (1600 and 2000 rpm). The study investigated how these process parameters influence the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) of female farm workers and determined the optimal operating parameters corresponding to the 100% OCR of female agricultural workers. Genetic algorithm (GA) was used along with the developed ANN model to forecast the OCR of agricultural workers. The experimental mean ± SD values were found 0.79 ± 0.04 L/min and predicated ANN values were found to be 0.776 ± 0.06 L/min for OCR, respectively. It is evident that not all operating parameters have the same effect on OCR. The training, testing, validation, and overall data sets employed in the ANN model and yielded correlation coefficients (R2) of 0.50889, 0.44229, 0.39029, and 0.48323, respectively. The goodness of fit was another crucial factor in evaluating the ANN tools. The ANN model demonstrated the lowest mean‐square error value that indicates higher precision and predictive power. The results satisfy the most suitable optimal parameters for the OCR of female workers operating the self‐propelled machinery simulator.

Does Gender Wage Gap Exist among Farm Workers in Nigeria? Evidence from Decomposition-Matching Analysis

AbstractUsing a cross-sectional survey data of agricultural farms, we investigate gender-based differences in farm wages among farm workers by randomly allocating farm workers into treatment (female) and control (male) groups with a simple random sampling technique. We used the Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition method to establish the gender wage gap and Propensity Score Matching to address assumptions and heterogeneity difficulties that plague the decomposition technique. Results show that female farm workers earn ₦ 9,170.83 less compared to their male counterparts, which indicates an unadjusted gender gap. This gender gap in farm wages is explained by the specific factors included in our model, so upgrading these variables could reduce gender inequalities in farm wages. Matching results indicate that the gender gaps estimated with nearest neighbour matching and kernel-based matching are 9.8% and 21.6% higher, respectively, than the gaps measured by the decomposition technique. Thus, the matching procedure was successful in identifying a sizeable proportion of gender gaps that are unexplained due to discrimination between male and female farm workers.

Differences in the Effects of Work Environment on Health Problems and Satisfaction of Working Condition by Gender: The 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey.

This study investigated gender differences in exposure to hazardous factors, health problems, and work environment satisfaction and identified the effects of such differences on farmworkers in Korea. Through the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS) conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute (OSHRI), the raw data on 2347 farmworkers were analyzed to present descriptive statistics for demographic characteristics, exposure to hazardous factors, health problems, and work environment satisfaction. We compared genders using chi-squared tests and investigated the effects of gender-specific working conditions on work-related health problems and work environment satisfaction using multivariate logistic analysis. The results were presented as an odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval. Job position predicted work-related health problems in male farmworkers and work environment satisfaction in female farmworkers. Furthermore, female farmworkers perceived themselves to have more health problems than male farmworkers. Nevertheless, female farmworkers received less health and safety information and had lower work environment satisfaction compared to male farmworkers. The findings may improve the occupational welfare of farmworkers through continuous enhancement of the agricultural labor environment.

An Evaluation of a Pesticide Training Program to Reduce Pesticide Exposure and Enhance Safety among Female Farmworkers in Nan, Thailand.

Although exposure to chemical pesticides is known to cause negative effects on human health, farmers in Ban Luang, Nan, Thailand, continue to use them regularly to protect crops. This study focused on mothers who were engaged in farm tasks and had children between the ages of 0 to 72 months, with the objective of reducing pesticide exposure. This study was conducted from May 2020 to October 2020 in the Ban Fa and Ban Phi sub-districts in Ban Luang due to the high use of pesticides in these areas. A systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit 78 mothers exposed to pesticides. Thirty-nine mothers from Ban Fa district were randomly assigned to the intervention group and 39 from Ban Phi to the control group over a 3-month period. This study applied a pesticide behavioral change training program for the intervention group. To assess the effectiveness of the program, the study compared the results of a questionnaire regarding knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) and health beliefs related to pesticide exposure as well as the levels of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyryl cholinesterase (BChE) enzymes, biomarkers of exposure to pesticides, before and after the intervention using ANCOVA statistical test. Furthermore, to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention program, a paired t-test was used to investigate the in-home pesticide safety assessment. After the intervention, we observed no significant change in AChE; however, a significant improvement in BChE (p < 0.05), a marker of short-term recovery, was observed. Pesticides can cause a reduction in AChE and BChE, however, after eliminating pesticides, BChE takes a shorter time (about 30-50 days) to recover than AChE (around 90-120 days). Therefore, increases in the measured concentrations of AChE and/or BChE suggest the presence of less chemicals from pesticides in the human body. The study also found a significant improvement in KAP and beliefs about chemical pesticide exposure after the intervention (p < 0.05). Furthermore, using a paired t-test, we found a significant increase in pesticide safety practices (p < 0.05) in the intervention group and a borderline significant increase regarding in-home safety (p = 0.051) in the control group. Based on the results, the constructs of the intervention program were effective and could be applied in other agricultural areas in less developed countries. However, due to time limitations during the COVID-19 pandemic, further studies should be conducted to enable data collection over a longer time, with a larger number of subjects providing the ChE levels for the non-agricultural season.

The Contribution of Women Farming Workers on Household Income

The village of Sugihwaras of Lamongan Regency is an agricultural area where most of the farmers are paddy farmers with female farm workers. One aspect to examine in the area is the role of rural women in agriculture as members of the household, the outpouring of workdays they do for their daily activities, and to what extent this affects their family's farming income. The study aimed to determine the number of working hours and the contribution of female farm labourers to household income. The study employed a simple random sampling of 60 respondents with interview techniques using a questionnaire. The method of analysis was descriptive analysis. The results obtained that the working hours of female farm workers for one year per hectare of the land area were 540 hours, devoted to paddy farming twice annually. The contribution of female farm workers to household income was IDR 1,687,500 per month or IDR48,600,000 per year per hectare, from paddy farming for two growing seasons annually. It is suggested that the amount of working hours and the contribution of female farm workers to household income is very small, so efforts should be made to increase the number of hours they work so that the income they earn can increase. Efforts are being made, namely raising livestock, as well as training in the manufacture of processed by-products of agriculture, for instance by making sweet potato chips and other preparations that can be sold.

Al-ʿUcha

<i>Al-ʿUcha</i>

Female Farm Workers in Morocco: Between Laborious Working Conditions and Environmental Challenges

The present paper posits that female labor force in the Moroccan agricultural sector plays a crucial role in production and provides specific expertise, leading to an increasingly visible feminization of the sector. Taken into consideration their invaluable contributions, the primary objective of this field-based study is to unveil the working conditions that female farm workers endure, including extended working hours, high physical demands, and health risks caused by either climate change or industrial fertilizers. It also seeks to comprehend gender stereotypes that perpetuate these inequalities. Consequently, this study avoids treating this group of women as a homogeneous ensemble. Instead, the purpose is to closely observe female workers and listen to their speeches to gain an insight into their daily experiences. This is achieved through a micro-sociological framework that involves direct observation of female workers on the farms, as well as semistructured interviews. The research findings confirm that female workers encounter gender-based differentiations in the workplace, stigmatizing representations from their surroundings, and restrictions on access to the workplace. Additionally, they are subject to the negative impact of the working environment on their health and well-being.

Konsep Kompilasi Hukum Ekonomi Syariah Terhadap Gaji Buruh Di Desa Sawah Mudik Kecamatan Ranah Batahan

This research examines how the determination of workers' wages in the village of Sawah Mudik is reviewed according to the Compilation of Sharia Economic Law. The research method used is field research with a qualitative approach. Primary data sources, namely primary data sources in this study are male workers, female workers and land owners while secondary data is from books and scientific journals that are considered relevant to this research. data collection techniques with observation, interviews and documentation, with qualitative descriptive data analysis techniques. The results of this study are that the wages given by the employer to farm laborers in Sawah Mudik Village, Ranah Batahan District, West Pasaman Regency, if they work all day are IDR 70,000.00, if the workers are given lunch by the employer and if the workers bring their own lunch, the workers receive a wage of IDR 80,000.00. Meanwhile, the wages that female workers get if they work all day are IDR 50,000.00, if the workers are given lunch by the employer and if the workers bring their own lunch, the workers receive IDR 60,000.00. The wages made by the Sawah Mudik village community are in accordance with the review of the compilation of Sharia economic law if Mu'ajir has made a difference in wages between male and female farm workers on the basis that female farm workers often arrive late, men are more responsible for earning a living for his family and the majority of men do their jobs faster. If the mu'ajir gives a difference in wages between male and female farm workers on the basis of following customs that have become the customs of the local community without considering the above factors even though the type of work and the workload of male and female farm workers are the same. So in Sharia Economic Law it is not allowed because the Koran does not recognize differences between men and women because before Allah men and women have the same degree of position and what distinguishes between men and women is only their faith and piety. So this will be detrimental to farm workers and can cause harm.

PERAN BURUH WANITA DI PENGGILINGAN PADI DALAM KETAHANAN PANGAN KELUARGA DI DESA KOPEN, KECAMATAN TERAS, KEBUPATEN BOYOLALI

ABSTRACTThe rice milling business in Kopen Village, Teras District, Boyolali Regency is able to improve the role of women working in rice planting and rice harvesting. The two dual roles of female farm workers consist of a domestic role and a public role. The aims of the study were to 1) analyze the dual roles of female farm workers based on the amount of working time, 2) analyze the share of household expenditures for farm workers, 3) analyze the energy and protein consumption in households,4) analyze the level of food security of female farm workers' households. The research was carried out from January to February 2022 in Kopen Village, Teras District, Boyolali Regency. The study used survey methods and data collection used interviews with questionnaires to female workers. Methods of data analysis used descriptive quantitative analysis method. The results showed that the domestic role of female workers consisted of taking care of the house, namely cooking, cleaning the house, washing clothes, taking care of children with an avarage time of 64.4% of 24 hours per day. The role of the public consists of working activities in the farm and community activities with 36.5% of 24 hours per day. The share of household food expenditure was 42.7% of the total expenditure. The level of energy consumption was in the good category and the level of protein consumption was in the moderate category. Household food security of farm workers was in category of food insecure conditions. It was due to the high expenditure for food consumption. Based on the result, it recomend to used their home garden to plant vegetables or fruits in order to sufficient food consumption and it can save household expenses.Keywords: Farmers families, Food Security, The role of women

Female Farmworkers Participation in the Cultivation of Madurese Local Maize at Pakaan Laok Village

The role of women in the agricultural sector in developing countries is essential. Female farmworkers have dominated the workforce in corn cultivation; nevertheless, it is challenging to apply dissemination materials on corn planting as these workers still use their agricultural insight from generation to generation. This study aimed to determine: 1) the characteristics of female farmworkers who participate in local corn cultivation, 2) the level of women's participation in local corn cultivation activities, and 3) the factors that influence women's participation in local corn cultivation.The research lsite is in Pakaan Laok Village, which was determined by purposive technique. Sample-taking was by simple random sampling. Methods of data analysis used descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression. The results showed that most female farmworkers' age ranges between 40-54 years, did not attend school, and the income ranges between Rp. 0-667,000 per planting season, land ownership status is individual ownership, and their economic motivation is to help their husbands. The variables of education, farm income, and economic motivation partially affect women's participation. In contrast, age and land ownership do not partially affect the participation rate of female farmworkers. The level of participation of women farmers at the planning stage is in a low category, and at the implementation, the stage is in a very high category

Lead in Breast Milk of Nursing Mothers Working in Agricultural Farms

Aim: To detect lead in breast milk of mothers working in agricultural farms adjacent to Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Study design: Descriptive study Methods: This study was conducted in the Physiology and cell biology department of, University of Health Sciences (UHS), Lahore after obtaining consent from ethical review board of UHS, Lahore. Total 91 lactating female farm workers were selected for this study who had been working in the farm for one year in last three years. Five to six ml of breast milk was obtained from each lady. Samples underwent the process of dry digestion at 500°C for 4 hours. White ash obtained was mixed with deionized solution and inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy was used to detect the lead levels in milk samples of nursing mothers Results: Out of 91 samples, lead levels were detected in 42 samples (46.15%). The mean (mean±SD) values of milk lead (n=42) were 781.49±1034.33µg/l. Family history of intellectual disability was significantly associated with milk concentrations of lead (p = 0.046). Conclusion: Present study concludes that the level of milk lead is found to be considerably higher in nursing mothers working in agricultural farms as compared with the levels reported by others from different countries. Key words: Inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy, lead, breast milk, graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry technique

SERUM LEAD LEVELS IN FEMALE AGRICULTURAL FARM-WORKERS FROM BAHAWALPUR, PAKISTAN

Background: Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal present in our environment in soil, drinking water, air, petroleum products, insecticides and pesticides, and is excreted in body secretions like breast milk, saliva, semen, and sweat. We studied serum lead levels in lactating female farm workers of Bahawalpur who are exposed to various chemicals that contain lead arsenate. Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore after approval from the Ethical Review Committee. After informed consent, blood samples of 2.5 ml each from a total of 91 lactating mothers were collected. Serum lead levels were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrophotometry (ICP). Results: High lead levels were detected in 90 out of 91 (98.90%) women. Mean serum lead levels were 61.05±29.59 µg/L. Conclusion: The serum lead level was considerably higher than the WHO allowable level in our study population. Pak J Physiol 2022;18(1):36?8

MULTIPLE INCOME PATTERNS AND REFLEXIVITY: THE STRATEGY OF ELDERLY WOMEN FARMERS IN FOOD SECURITY

The era of modernization marked by the emergence of technology has had its own impact on people's lives, such as the existence of technology in the agricultural sector with the emergence of agricultural machines. The agricultural machines that are present have made it easy for farmers, but for some people, especially for farm workers, it has provided its own risk. Including the existence of a planting machine in the village of Kedungharjo, it has given its own consequences for old female farm workers. The consequence they feel is the risk of reducing human labor in agriculture. Therefore, old female farm workers to overcome food insecurity, they try to do a strategy of dual income patterns with farmincome, off-farm income, and non-farm income. Then from the risks felt by old female farm workers, they reflect on the risks they experience, as a form of response to overcome the risks of agricultural technology. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative. The purpose of this study was to determine the strategy of multiple livelihood patterns and reflexivity carried out by old female farm workers from the risks of agricultural technology

Barriers to Access for Cervical and Breast Cancer Screenings Among Female Latinx Migrant Farmworkers in the US: A Scoping Literature Review.

Identification of barriers to cancer screening among female migrant farmworkers is needed to inform intervention development and healthcare policy. Thus, our purpose was to systematically review and summarize findings from prior studies of barriers faced by Latinx migrant farmworkers in accessing cervical and breast cancer screenings in the US. Medline and Embase were used to identify literature through October 2021 using the search terms “migrant farmworkers AND. . .cancer; healthcare access; breast; cervical; federally qualified health centers,” and “migrant cancer screening” and “migrant farmworker cancer screening.” Snowball sampling by reviewing citations in each selected article was also used. Exclusion criteria included those articles that focused on specific types of cancer other than breast or cervical, those not within the US, not referencing Latinx migrants, not referencing cancer screening, or those focused on pediatric populations. Data was synthesized by 3 authors and selected articles were assessed for common themes. Nineteen articles met inclusion criteria. Common themes about barriers to cancer screening included: lack of cancer knowledge, cost/inability to pay, lack of health insurance coverage, cultural perceptions, fear, language difficulties, and transportation and time constraints. Findings suggest that barriers to cancer screening among migrant farmworkers may be addressed by providing education about cancer screening and treatment, addressing fear, language, and cultural barriers, and providing transportation and health insurance coverage. Consideration of these barriers is necessary to effectively address cancer disparities in this vulnerable population of female farmworkers.

Jek Nebenne! : A Method of Self-Healing in a Performance-Lecture

ABSTRACTThis artwork thesis depicts a multimedia performance, which combines several media such as photos, videos, sound recordings, installation, diagrams, charts, graphic design, and scientific journals, as well as digital cameras in performance-lecture. The creation practice borrowing the mode of a lecture combined with performance refers to "jek nebenne!" as the director's memory-recollection to start his work practice.The term "jek nebenne!" is not a standard language which means "don't mess with me!", it is used as the director's foothold in connecting a trauma in a family as a result of domestic violence which is reflected in the same experience of his mother, just like the experience of a female masseuse, brick miner, and farmworker for over thirty years in Bangkalan over the behavior of their respective husbands, as well as a shift of function from the feminine to the masculine. "Jek nebenne!" becomes some sort of creation reference which was often said by his mother, haunting him to this day and suspected to be the source of failure. Including the failure to integrate with the two performers who also experienced trauma (sexual and gender) until the show goes on. His position was leaked as a therapist to evacuate from the situation by sharing his sensitive emotion to the public; leaking of conflict concoction, exploration of body and ability, as well as performer's skill through medias mentioned above. The practice of performance-lecture focuses on psychodrama with a shift of dramaturgy from trauma to sensitive and intervening performer and the production team to show that domestic violence creates a prolonged scar. The director fears that the cruising range of his biography trauma will cause him to re-experience the vulnerability and leaving the audience with intricacy. The practice of such shift as a process of evacuation from acute trauma, as a continuation of "jek nebenne!" self-healing method for positive growth of the soul. Keywords: performance-lecture, "jek nebenne!", self-healing method

Peran Wanita dan Relasi Gender dalam Keluarga Buruh Tani Wanita di Regu Tanam Mulyo Asri Desa Pontang Kecamatan Ambulu Kabupaten Jember

This study aims to determine gender roles and gender relations in the family of female farm workers in the Mulyo Asri women's planting team in Pontang Village, Ambulu Sub-district, Jember District. The theory used in the research uses the theory of Gender. This study used a qualitative approach, with the method of determining informants using purposive sampling technique. Data collection techniques in this study by means of in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation study. Methods of data analysis in this study using the analysis method of Harvard and Miles and Huberman. The data validity test used technical triangulation and source triangulation testing techniques. The results of this study are the division of labor in the family of female farm workers, which includes productive activities, reproductive activities, and social activities. From an emic perspective, the participation of a wife in work is something that is normal and often happens. From an ethical perspective, there is a gender issue, namely the existence of a heavier workload experienced by the wife. The relationship that exists in the family of female farm workers is in the form of access to control over resources and benefits carried out by the family of female farm workers in Pontang Village, Ambulu Sub-district, Jember District.&#x0D; Keywords: Gender Roles, Gender Relations, Farm Workers, Family