Conclusions on Moving to Sustainable Agricultural Development through the Modernization of Agriculture and Employment in a Globalized Economy

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Tripartite Meeting on Moving to Sustainable
Agricultural Development through the
Modernization of Agriculture and Employment
in a Globalized Economy

Geneva, 18-22 September 2000

Conclusions on Moving to Sustainable
Agricultural Development through the Modernization of
Agriculture and Employment in a Globalized Economy

The Tripartite Meeting on Moving to Sustainable Agricultural Development through the Modernization of Agriculture and Employment in a Globalized Economy,

Having met in Geneva from 18 to 22 September 2000,

Adopts this twenty-second day of September 2000 the following conclusions:

General considerations

1. Agriculture is by far the largest employer of the labour force in the world, with almost one-half of the world's workers. From an historic viewpoint the sector has to facilitate the process of industrialization. The experience of the financial crisis of the late 1990s in various developing countries has underlined the need to redirect attention to the agriculture sector to ensure sustainable development and food security. Productivity gains are at the heart of this and the ongoing globalization of world economies may contribute towards this.

2. Globalization is the backdrop against which all economic issues will be decided in the future. Globalization has, in part, opened up the agriculture sector with new markets for non-traditional exports, and this trend is likely to intensify with advances in production technologies, infrastructure, transportation and storage facilities. Much of new production activities in non-traditional exports will occur as a result of increasing foreign direct investment, another aspect of globalization. The important thing is to ensure that globalization benefits all sections of the population and delivers decent work, food security, and eliminates poverty for all.

3. Historically, parts of the agriculture sector have had to deal with problems related to health and safety, child labour, and women's marginalization. There is a need for these problems to be continued to be addressed. The focus is now to meet the new challenges posed by globalization by effectively using the rapid and widespread access to information to create opportunities in employment and improve conditions of work.

4. Any meaningful advances in the agriculture sector must be based on the notion of "sustainable agriculture and rural development" with an explicit concern for secure and sustainable employment and conditions of work, based on the application of the core Conventions, and other relevant, up-to-date labour standards concerning the agriculture sector. Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining to ensure effective participation of workers and employers in the sector may assist in the achievement of sustainable social development, and profitable modernization in agriculture. Achieving global self-sufficiency in food production should be a goal of sustainable agriculture. Sustainable agricultural practices include the use of safe nutrients, crop rotations, integrated pest management, and supporting biological diversity. Such practices are not only environmentally friendly but also capable of delivering higher yields and potentially increased employment. Protection of the environment is one of the extended roles of the agriculture sector. Safeguarding this role could contribute to the development of self-sustained rural communities. Governments have a responsibility to provide appropriate economic conditions to assist the growth of the agriculture sector.

5. "Modernization" of the agriculture sector is imperative to achieve sustainable productivity gains and conform labour practices to core standards. Security of land tenure is a part of the modernization process, and transfer of technology is a key factor. The parties should work together to reduce the displacement of labour, as a result of mechanization. Improving conditions of work - e.g. in the area of occupational safety and health - is also an essential aspect of the modernization process.

Specific issues in agriculture

Macroeconomic issues

6. Government policies for the agriculture sector have to facilitate the transfer of new technologies. This requires at the macroeconomic level removing distortions so as to create a level playing field. At the same time, government macroeconomic policies should contribute to the implementation of the ILO's objectives.

7. Part of the role of the State should be in developing the infrastructure requirements in rural areas, as well as the continuous provision of training and upgrading the skills of agricultural workers and farmers (including self-employed farmers) to improve productivity, efficiency and employability. For example, this could be provided through distance teaching. Governments should continue to provide extension services, technical training, and research on farm techniques and new inputs in developing countries.

8. A more profitable agriculture sector could be created by encouraging value-adding (i.e. more processing of raw materials) in developing countries and by focusing on high-value crops. This could result in increased internal consumption and exports. The goal of diversification to reduce the reliance of farmers on a limited number of crops could also be achieved by encouraging non-farm activities. Such activities have the advantage of being linked to the agriculture sector and of stemming the exodus from the rural areas and thus easing the burden of employment creation in the urban areas. Provision of infrastructure could be crucial in encouraging non-farm activities in the rural areas.

Social issues

Child labour

9. Many children work on farms, usually in the context of family workers. Some children work on commercial farms and, even worse, as bonded labour. This is contrary to ILO Conventions Nos. 29, 138 and 182. Children are at a greater risk of injury as a result of exposure to chemicals, operating dangerous machinery and carrying heavy loads. AIDS is an emerging problem. The loss of working parents as a result of AIDS is becoming a common cause of continuing child labour. The ILO must continue education in this area.

10. The ILO's recently adopted Convention No. 182 constitutes the minimum action necessary in the area of child labour - i.e. to eliminate children's work which by its very nature is likely to harm their health, safety or morals. The goal should be to eliminate all forms of child labour. The approach of the ILO's International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour provides a starting point for the fight against child labour and should be supported. The long-term solution to child labour will be found in attacking one of its root causes - poverty. All member States should ratify and implement Conventions Nos. 138 and 182 as soon as possible.

Women workers

11. Agriculture is the primary source of employment for women in most developing countries and women's participation in the domain of work is increasing. This, however, is a mixed blessing since such work is in addition to women's role as primary caregivers. Women are vulnerable to particular health problems in the agriculture sector and sexual harassment is a threat. Equality of opportunity is still a long way off. Considering worldwide variations, problems may be of a cultural, social, economic or legal nature.

12. Improving women's situation is necessary. Education should be an important part of this and enhanced capacity building a prerequisite. Standard setting and monitoring, technical cooperation, advisory services, and dissemination of information are some of the means of action that should be applied. The increased effective participation of women in decision-making should be encouraged. Improved technology to reduce workloads in women-specific tasks should be a part of any effective policy for gender equality. The implied selective mechanization could enable women to find employment in hitherto male-dominated jobs. Moreover, translating the goal of gender equality into practice would require appropriate supporting services.

Occupational safety and health

13. Agriculture ranks among the three most hazardous occupations in both developing and developed countries, alongside mining and construction. The improper use of machinery and chemicals is the leading cause of injuries on the farms. Lack of awareness about safe practices and unavailability or inappropriateness of protective equipment also contribute to injuries. Animal- and plant-related diseases and allergies are also common and heavy loads inflict their own toll.

14. In terms of prevention and reduction of fatalities, accidents and ill health, the basic responsibility for safety and health in agriculture rests with the employer, though all tripartite partners have their respective contributions to make to improve safety and health. Bipartite or tripartite health and safety committees could be helpful in improving OSH conditions. Other measures to be taken include:

improving training for agricultural workers and farmers (including the self-employed);
promotion of alternatives to hazardous chemicals;
strengthening and enforcing existing laws against exposure to hazardous chemicals;
improving access to occupational safety and health services and public health services.

Role of the ILO

15. A programme of work is suggested as a result of this Meeting to give it an appropriate follow-up. Globalization and its impact on the agriculture sector should continue to be researched by the ILO. Training programmes should be conducted to assist developing countries in taking advantage of new employment opportunities in a globalized economy. Successful examples of agricultural practices should be studied, and case studies of selected countries, both developing as well as developed, should be undertaken and disseminated. Better and more accurate statistics on health and safety should be collected and publicized as an aid to policy-making. Gender disaggregated statistics should be included. Research should be carried out on the effects of AIDS on the nature and extent of child labour in commercial agriculture. The work of IPEC should be supported. Further research should be carried out on the role of women in agriculture to assist women in playing a more effective role in decision-making. Vocational training should be an integral part of all this work. Research should be conducted on the impact of GMOs on employment and working conditions within the ILO's mandate. The results of the suggested programme of work should be disseminated through national tripartite workshops, publications, and advisory services should be grounded on appropriate research. The overall goal of the suggested follow-up activities should be the promotion of core ILO labour standards. The "Decent work" programme should be used as a guide to establish fair labour practices.

Updated by EA/BR. Approved by VJ/OdVR. Last update: 12 December 2000.