Integration of decent work in the development of agri-food value chains
At an Evaluation meeting organized by the Belgian Development Cooperation, the ILO shared insights on the promotion of decent work in agricultural value chains in low-income countries.
BRUSSELS (ILO News) – A conference in Brussels presented the findings of a high-level evaluation on decent work in agricultural value chain development interventions of the Belgian Development Cooperation. This evaluation included field work in six partner countries of Belgium.
In his keynote address to the conference, El’vis Beytullayev, ILO Specialist in the rural economy and related sectors, said that agricultural jobs are among the most hazardous, unprotected and poorly paid. Poverty continues to be a predominantly rural phenomenon, and 25 per cent of all agri-food workers are in extreme poverty. The prevalence of informality, governance gaps as well as low productivity and discrimination are among the root causes.
In many countries, agricultural workers are excluded from legislation that offers protection to workers in other sectors. Even when they are included in the scope of protective legislation, laws may not be applied in practice because of inadequate labour inspection or the nature of employment status. For instance, casual workers, who are frequently found on plantations and often engaged informally, may not benefit from the same terms and conditions of employment as regular workers, and their wages are often significantly below the minimum wage levels.
Agricultural workers also frequently face barriers in exercising their rights, including fundamental principles and rights at work. Other challenges include complex global supply chains, and the increased reliance on migrant and outsourced workers, particularly for seasonal work.
The ILO Policy guidelines for the promotion of decent work in the agri-food sector, which were adopted in May, draw on all relevant ILO instruments and provide actionable recommendations for ILO constituents and other stakeholders.
The implementation of labour standards must be a priority. This requires strengthening labour laws and labour inspection. Particular focus should be on ensuring respect for fundamental rights, starting with the right to organize, which is an enabling right that can help ensure access to other rights.
The ILO’s recent projects that have focused on the capacity of employers’ and workers’ organizations, including strengthening their knowledge on employment and labour issues, increasing their membership base, and engaging in dialogue and negotiations to advance decent work in the sector have shown the effectiveness of such interventions. Some of these projects have been funded by Belgium.
In view of the sizeable challenges at hand, there needs to be greater explicit focus on the promotion of decent work in the agri-food sector within development cooperation initiatives, as well as on partnerships and collaborations reflecting different partners’ comparative advantages.
The ILO, IFAD and CARE International have launched a Coalition on Decent work for Equitable Food Systems, which aims to ensure economic and social justice and the right to adequate and nutritious food through access to decent work for all across food systems. He called upon the Belgian Government and social partners to join forces in this initiative.
In his keynote address to the conference, El’vis Beytullayev, ILO Specialist in the rural economy and related sectors, said that agricultural jobs are among the most hazardous, unprotected and poorly paid. Poverty continues to be a predominantly rural phenomenon, and 25 per cent of all agri-food workers are in extreme poverty. The prevalence of informality, governance gaps as well as low productivity and discrimination are among the root causes.
In many countries, agricultural workers are excluded from legislation that offers protection to workers in other sectors. Even when they are included in the scope of protective legislation, laws may not be applied in practice because of inadequate labour inspection or the nature of employment status. For instance, casual workers, who are frequently found on plantations and often engaged informally, may not benefit from the same terms and conditions of employment as regular workers, and their wages are often significantly below the minimum wage levels.
Agricultural workers also frequently face barriers in exercising their rights, including fundamental principles and rights at work. Other challenges include complex global supply chains, and the increased reliance on migrant and outsourced workers, particularly for seasonal work.
To ensure the sustainability and resilience of our food systems, action is needed to promote quality jobs and sustainable enterprises, guarantee rights at work, extend social protection, and promote social dialogue"
said Beytullayev
The ILO Policy guidelines for the promotion of decent work in the agri-food sector, which were adopted in May, draw on all relevant ILO instruments and provide actionable recommendations for ILO constituents and other stakeholders.
The creation of quality jobs needs to go together with the promotion of rights at work"
the ILO Specialist said.
The implementation of labour standards must be a priority. This requires strengthening labour laws and labour inspection. Particular focus should be on ensuring respect for fundamental rights, starting with the right to organize, which is an enabling right that can help ensure access to other rights.
The ILO’s recent projects that have focused on the capacity of employers’ and workers’ organizations, including strengthening their knowledge on employment and labour issues, increasing their membership base, and engaging in dialogue and negotiations to advance decent work in the sector have shown the effectiveness of such interventions. Some of these projects have been funded by Belgium.
In view of the sizeable challenges at hand, there needs to be greater explicit focus on the promotion of decent work in the agri-food sector within development cooperation initiatives, as well as on partnerships and collaborations reflecting different partners’ comparative advantages.
The ILO, IFAD and CARE International have launched a Coalition on Decent work for Equitable Food Systems, which aims to ensure economic and social justice and the right to adequate and nutritious food through access to decent work for all across food systems. He called upon the Belgian Government and social partners to join forces in this initiative.