Challenges and potential solutions to employment issues in the agri-food sector of developed countries : a systematic literature review

Abstract

The agri-food sector in developed countries faces critical challenges, including climate change, demographic shifts, technological advancements and evolving consumption patterns. Recent global disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukrainian-Russian conflict, have further intensified uncertainties, significantly impacting agri-food supply chains and employment. Although previous reviews have explored sustainability, circular economy and labor conditions within specific niches such as organic farming, comprehensive analyses of employment dynamics across the broader agri-food sector in developed economies remain limited. This systematic literature review addresses this research gap by synthesizing employment-related challenges across six key themes: (1) family farming dynamics, (2) unique employment characteristics, (3) gender inequalities, (4) wage disparities, (5) education and training needs, and (6) productivity challenges. After the two-stage process, an initial database search identified 19,918 articles, with 128 Stud. included after rigorous screening. The f indings highlight the continued importance of family farms despite industrial-scale agriculture pressures, the significant reliance on migrant and seasonal labor facing precarious conditions, and the crucial role of education and training in addressing technological changes and labor shortages. This review not only fills a critical gap in the literature but also provides an actionable roadmap: prioritize fair wages and legal protections for migrant and seasonal workers, invest in next generation of agricultural education, and design policies that keep family farms economically viable while embracing innovation. Implementing these measures is essential to future‑proof the agri‑food workforce, safeguard rural livelihoods and secure resilient, sustainable food systems across the developed world.