Labor in the rural household economy of the Zairian Basin

Increasing the productivity of agricultural labor is crucial from the standpoint of both growth and equity. This study examines various aspects of labor in the rural household economy in the Zairian Basin, and makes recommendations on how the productivity of farm labor can be enhanced. The study uses mathematical modeling, regression analysis, and other techniques to determine the factors affecting the allocation and productivity of agricultural labor, bringing into the analyses a number of key economic and other variables not considered in other similar studies. Following a summary and an introduction, the study provides an overview of the ecology, economy, and peoples of the study area, which encompasses the Basoko and Isangi zones in Haut-Zaire province. It then examines, in order: (1) the division and allocation of household labor time between farm and nonfarm income generating activities, and between gender and age groups; (2) the allocation and use of agricultural labor time; and (3) the relationships between agricultural labor input, cultivated area, and agricultural output. The final chapter extracts conclusions and policy suggestions to improve the productivity of agricultural labor , stressing the importance of a sound agricultural calendar, basic infrastructure such as roads and marketing channels, and rural credit markets.