The Importance of Labour-force Structure in Relation to Employment and Unemployment in Less-developed Countries

Abstract

During the past few years, the focus of most discussions on economic development has shifted from food production to poverty and unemployment. In many developing countries, the increase in the output of staple cereals like wheat, made possible by the availability of high yielding varieties of seeds responsive to chemical fertilisers under conditions of assured and controlled water-supply, has raised the welcome prospect of self-sufficiency in foodgrains, at least during normal weather conditions. However, for the non-cultivating households, work by at least the able-bodied males is the main source of purchasing power required for food consumption. The problem of providing productive employment opportunities to the growing labour force therefore assumes great importance.