Agricultural employment and the rural household: A characterization for selected provinces in the Philippines

This study aims to address a gap in existing data and literature regarding the socio-economic profile of agricultural workers within rural households. It implemented a survey collecting panel data on the full range of labor and economic activities of rural households with agricultural workers, including patterns of employment and seasonality; other relevant worker and household characteristics; and the community-level context. A socio-economic profile of rural and agricultural workers was developed. Statistical analysis confirmed that individuals of working age are more likely to become an agricultural worker if they are male, older, less educated, and are in a barangay with better rural infrastructure and more remote from the urban center. Moreover, weekly working hours for agricultural workers is greater for younger workers, those better educated, and in barangays nearer the urban center. Several implications for policy and further research were stated.