Why do agricultural workers in some developing countries face underemployment during part of the year?

Agricultural workers in many developing countries often experience underemployment due to the seasonal nature of farming, a phenomenon frequently described as seasonal unemployment during off-seasons.1

While some theories once suggested that surplus labor in densely populated rural areas contributed little to total output—a concept known as disguised unemployment—it is now understood that this labor is typically essential during peak periods, such as harvest. Consequently, the primary challenge is not a permanent surplus of workers, but rather the lack of work during periods when crops are not being cultivated.1

The extent of this seasonal underemployment is largely determined by the number of crops grown on a piece of land throughout the year. In regions where irrigation and modern agricultural management allow for a succession of crops, seasonal unemployment is significantly reduced. Conversely, in areas limited to single-crop cycles, workers often face long periods of inactivity. Addressing this issue requires improvements in infrastructure, such as irrigation, which enable more intensive land use and provide consistent employment opportunities throughout the year.12