Agriculture is an important source of employment and income, particularly in developing countries. Yet agricultural workers often face decent work deficits, working for low wages and incomes under poor and sometimes hazardous conditions, and lacking the means to effectively address their situation. Achieving decent work and improving productivity in agriculture are key to reducing poverty and stimulating economic growth in rural areas. Improving the quantity and quality of jobs, promoting rights at work, extending social protection, and strengthening rural workers’ organizations are crucial for achieving decent work and improving agricultural productivity.
This policy guidance note from the International Labour Organization (ILO)profiles approaches for addressing the substantial decent work deficits in agriculture, with special attention to the most vulnerable. It focuses on much-needed action in the areas of skills development and the realization of core rights and protections for agricultural workers.