Why do we work? (AgroWork)

Why do we work? Assessing sub-Saharan farmers’motivations and labour in agroecology (AgroWork)

Agroecology is presented as having a high potential to support a socioecological transition towards more sustainable and equitable food systems. However, it is commonly accepted that agroecology is highly demanding in terms of labour intensity and technical knowledge, and requires strong motivations on the part of the farmer. Our research project explores the links between farmers’ motivations, values and institutions associated to labour/work and a necessary agroecological transition toward more sustainable agricultural systems in West Africa. We also investigate the capacity of agroecology to improve both labour conditions (through the concept of contributive justice) and sustainable livelihoods (in particular, food security) in the current context of globalized food systems.