Field of agriculture

Agriculture; plantations; other rural sectors

© ILO

Globally, about one billion people work in the agricultural sector, constituting approximately 28 per cent of the employed population. About 450 million are waged workers, many of whom depend on incomes from jobs in the plantation sector. While the share of employment in agriculture has declined in many countries due to technological advancements and economic shifts, it remains a critical sector for livelihoods, food security, and rural development.

However, agriculture workers regularly face high levels of working poverty, food insecurity, poor health and safety  conditions, an lack of labour and social protection. A socially, environmentally and economically sustainable agricultural sector with full, productive and freely chosen employment and decent work at its core is essential for eradicating poverty, tackling inequalities and ending global hunger. Realizing decent work for all workers in the agri-food sector is, therefore, also key to achieving sustainable development and ensuring that no one is left behind, thereby contributing to social justice.

Policy guidelines for the promotion of decent work in the agri-food sector

Policy guidelines for the promotion of decent work in the agri-food sector

This document provides guidance for ILO constituents and other stakeholders engaged in the design and implementation of policies and measures on decent work in the agri-food sector as an essential part of efforts aimed at building sustainable food systems.

Image
Economic Diversification of the Rural Economy - Cover
Rural economy

Rural economy

The rural economy holds significant potential for creating decent and productive jobs, eradicating poverty, ensuring food security, and achieving social justice.

Events

Meeting of experts on decent work in the agri-food: An essential part of sustainable food systems

Meeting of experts on decent work in the agri-food: An essential part of sustainable food systems

Technical meeting on the future of work in aquaculture in the context of the rural economy

Technical meeting on the future of work in aquaculture in the context of the rural economy

Technical Meeting to Promote an Exchange of Views on the Further Development and Implementation of the Integrated Strategy to Address...

Technical Meeting to Promote an Exchange of Views on the Further Development and Implementation of the Integrated Strategy to Address...

News

Tanzania, Brazil and International Labour Organization collaborate to tackle child labour and promote social justice and decent work in...
Placeholder image

Tanzania, Brazil and International Labour Organization collaborate to tackle child labour and promote social justice and decent work in...

Enhancing labour inspection in Kenya through tailored labour inspection tool kits
Placeholder image

Labour inspection tool kit in Kenya

Enhancing labour inspection in Kenya through tailored labour inspection tool kits

Experts agree new guidelines to promote decent work in the agri-food sector
Placeholder image

Sustainable food systems

Experts agree new guidelines to promote decent work in the agri-food sector

All publications

Elevating the potential of rural youth: Paths to Decent Jobs and Sustainable Futures

ILO brief

Elevating the potential of rural youth: Paths to Decent Jobs and Sustainable Futures

The future of work in the rural economy: More decent work to revitalize rural economies

Infographic

The future of work in the rural economy: More decent work to revitalize rural economies

Challenges and opportunities to advance decent work in five countries and supply chains: A synthesis report

Challenges and opportunities to advance decent work in five countries and supply chains: A synthesis report