Underemployment in agricultural sector. explain?
Underemployment in Agricultural Sector
Underemployment refers to a situation where people are employed but not to their full potential. In the agricultural sector, underemployment is a common phenomenon where people are employed but not fully utilized. This occurs when farmers do not have enough land to cultivate or when they do not have access to modern farming techniques.
Causes of Underemployment in Agricultural Sector
- Lack of access to modern farming techniques: Most small-scale farmers do not have access to modern farming techniques that can increase their productivity. This results in low yields and low income, which is not enough to sustain their families.
- Limited land: Many farmers in developing countries have small pieces of land which are not enough to sustain their families. This results in underemployment as they cannot fully utilize their skills and knowledge.
- Seasonal work: Agriculture is a seasonal activity, and farmers may not have work throughout the year. This results in underemployment during the off-seasons.
- Low wages: Due to the competitive nature of the agricultural industry, farmers may not be able to pay their employees a decent wage. This results in underemployment as people are forced to work part-time or on a casual basis.
Effects of Underemployment in Agricultural Sector
- Poverty: Underemployment in the agricultural sector can lead to poverty as people are not earning enough to sustain their families.
- Food insecurity: Underemployment can lead to food insecurity as farmers may not have enough income to buy food for their families.
- Migration: Underemployment can lead to migration as people may be forced to move to urban areas in search of employment.
- Low productivity: Underemployment can lead to low productivity as farmers are not fully utilizing their skills and knowledge.
Solutions to Underemployment in Agricultural Sector
- Training: Farmers need to be trained on modern farming techniques to increase their productivity and reduce underemployment.
- Land redistribution: Governments can redistribute land to small-scale farmers to enable them to fully utilize their skills and knowledge.
- Seasonal employment: Governments can provide seasonal employment opportunities to farmers during the off-seasons.
- Minimum wage: Governments can set a minimum wage for farm workers to ensure that they are paid a decent wage.
In conclusion, underemployment in the agricultural sector is a common phenomenon that affects many small-scale farmers. It is caused by various factors, including lack of access to modern farming techniques, limited land, seasonal work, and low wages. The effects of underemployment include poverty, food insecurity, migration, and low productivity. Governments and other stakeholders can address this issue through training, land redistribution, seasonal employment, and setting a minimum wage.