In the heart of Turkey, a groundbreaking study is reshaping our understanding of the agricultural workforce and its potential to drive economic growth. Merve Bozdemir Akçil, a researcher from Selcuk University’s Faculty of Agriculture, has delved into the social and human capital structure of the agricultural employment market in Konya, uncovering insights that could revolutionize the sector.
Akçil’s research, published in the Turkish Journal of Agriculture: Food Science and Technology, highlights the critical role of social networks and information in gaining a competitive edge in today’s dynamic market conditions. “It’s not just about natural resources and labor anymore,” Akçil explains. “To increase competitiveness in agriculture, we need to leverage technology, value-added production, and effective use of resources. But most importantly, we need to focus on our people.”
The study, which involved interviews with 698 individuals, including agricultural operators, unpaid family laborers, agricultural workers, and intermediaries, revealed several challenges. These include social exclusion, job insecurity, polarization between local and foreign labor, and low levels of bridging social capital. Akçil points out, “These issues are not just social problems; they have significant commercial impacts. They affect productivity, innovation, and ultimately, the sector’s competitiveness in the global market.”
One of the most striking findings is the need for strong collaborations and the effective use of human resources. Akçil suggests that by developing strategies that adapt the concepts of social and human capital to the agricultural sector, we can foster a more inclusive and productive workforce. This, in turn, can lead to increased employment opportunities and sustainable growth.
So, how might this research shape future developments in the field? For one, it underscores the importance of investing in people. This means not just providing jobs, but also creating an environment where workers feel valued, secure, and connected. It means leveraging technology not just for production, but also for communication and collaboration. It means bridging the gap between local and foreign labor, creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce.
Moreover, the study’s findings could have significant implications for policy-making. Akçil has developed policy recommendations aimed at addressing the identified problems and promoting community building and successful employment management in agriculture. These recommendations, if implemented, could lead to a more competitive and sustainable agricultural sector.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the agricultural sector is on the cusp of a significant transformation. And at the heart of this transformation are the people who make up the agricultural workforce. By understanding and leveraging their social and human capital, we can unlock new levels of productivity, innovation, and competitiveness. And that, ultimately, is the key to sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.