La KFPE est la plate-forme centrale d’information pour la recherche globaux en Suisse. Elle s’engage en faveur d’une coopération augmentée et équitable avec les pays à revenus faibles et intermédiaires. Elle contribue ainsi au développement durable et à la résolution des défis globaux et locaux.en plus

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The rural labour market and social inequality in export agriculture

Backgraound

The agricultural strategies of many countries in the global South rely on commercialization and export agriculture for the European and US markets. The jobs created hereby are occupied by a large number of women. The knowledge of rural labor markets is fragmented, owing to the lack of investment in improved data in recent years. Whether employment opportunities in commercial agriculture can sustainably improve the livelihood of rural households, or leads to further precariousness, is controversial. Poverty has so far been little researched from the point of view of those affected. However, this view is central to the fight against poverty. Measures that lead to sustainable improvement in livelihoods can only be developed with full comprehension of the position of those affected.

Objective

This project aims to examine the working conditions of local populations in low- and middle-income countries, namely in the agricultural sector, and to substantiate the debate on their opportunities to overcome poverty while identifying strategies that lead to sustainable improvement in their livelihoods.

Expected Benefits

In partner countries: Better framework conditions including wage, social security and health for workers, and self-organizing capacities, especially in the agricultural sector.

In Switzerland: very important area regarding consumption of global products, for responsible consumption, certification systems, fair trade

As consumers we are linked to many of the producer countries. However, although nutrition has become a major concern for many people in the global North, consumers are underinformed regarding the steps of the value chain and the realities that producers and rural labourers struggle with. Fair trade and other movements tend to lose their standing, especially with younger consumers. The project will contribute to innovate consumers-producers relationships and propose new and direct forms of market exchange.

Contact Information

Sabin Bieri, , phone: +41 31 631 37 51

Centre for Development and Environment in collaboration with Interdisciplinary Centre for Gender Studies, University of Bern

The rural labor market and social inequality in export agriculture
The rural labor market and social inequality in export agriculture

Partner countries: Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America

Cost: CHF 20 Mio

Duration: 6 years