Agriculture biggest employer of labour actionaid
According to ActionAid, a global justice organization that works to promote human rights and challenge poverty, agriculture is indeed one of the biggest employers of labor globally. Here are some key statistics and facts:
- Employment in agriculture: Agriculture is the largest employer of labor globally, employing around 2.5 billion people, which is about 40% of the world's workforce.
- Rural employment: The majority of agricultural workers are employed in rural areas, where they often face poor working conditions, low wages, and limited access to social services.
- Small-scale farming: Small-scale farmers, who are often the backbone of agriculture, employ around 1.5 billion people, mostly in developing countries.
- Women's employment: Women play a significant role in agriculture, accounting for around 43% of the agricultural workforce globally. However, they often face gender-based discrimination and limited access to resources and markets.
- Youth employment: Young people, aged 15-24, are also heavily represented in agriculture, with around 30% of the agricultural workforce consisting of youth.
- Informal employment: Many agricultural workers are employed informally, without access to social protection, benefits, or labor rights.
- Migration: Agricultural labor migration is a significant issue, with many workers migrating from rural areas to cities or other countries in search of better employment opportunities.
- Climate change: Climate change is having a significant impact on agriculture, leading to changes in crop yields, water availability, and pest management, which can affect employment opportunities and livelihoods.
- Poverty: Agriculture is often a key source of income for poor households, and many agricultural workers live in poverty, with limited access to resources, markets, and social services.
- Sustainable agriculture: ActionAid advocates for sustainable agriculture practices that prioritize the rights and well-being of agricultural workers, promote fair labor standards, and support small-scale farmers and local communities.
Overall, agriculture is a critical sector that employs millions of people worldwide, but it also faces significant challenges related to poverty, inequality, and climate change.