Over three quarters of the world’s poor live in rural areas and many of them depend on agriculture to make a living. More and better employment opportunities will need to be created for rural populations. This will be essential for the fight against hunger and poverty and for creating more prosperous livelihoods for the population at large. Workers with insecure jobs and subject to hazardous working conditions tend to be less productive and risk their health, which may trap them and their families in poverty.

FAO defines decent employment as work that provides a living income and reasonable working conditions. Work should be remunerative and dignified. It should enable people – whether through self-employment or wage labour – to provide for themselves and their families. Workers should be able to perform their work under safe and healthy conditions and have a voice in the work place. Being central to its mission, FAO actively supports countries to promote decent employment in agriculture and in rural areas.