Farm Labor by Age and Sex in Northwestern Syria: Implications for two proposed technologies

Abstract

Two new technologies are under development in ICARDA: (1) mechanization of legume harvesting and (2) introduction of new varieties of chickpea that can be planted in the winter but which require two intensive weedings. A study was carried out in order to identify in advance any socio-economic constraints to adopting the proposed technologies. Specifically, the objectives are (1) to determine the tasks of men, women, and children, (2) to compare men versus women’s labor input, and (3) to predict the potential of new technologies vis-a-vis labor uses. A survey in Aleppo province in (Syria) was conducted in four villages. The sample of 47 households was randomly selected, and both husband and wife were present at each of three interview sessions. Labor was disaggregated by age and sex and distinguished between household and hired. The number of labor hours was used to measure the contribution to agricultural production activities. General findings are of importance to both of the new technologies under consideration. Both would have effects on labor use particularly on women’s labor since the proposed technologies are closely linked with the tasks carried out by them. The paper was presented at the Farming Systems Symposium: Farming Systems Research and Extension: Management and Methodology. October 13-16, 1985. Kansas State University. Manhattan. Kansas