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Automation and social impacts: winners and losers

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  • Charlton, Diane
  • Hill, Alexandra E.
  • Taylor, J. Edward

Abstract

Understanding the social implications of automation in agriculture, from tractors in low-income countries to high-tech artificial intelligence (AI) solutions found mostly in high-income countries, requires viewing technology change on farms within the broader context of the agricultural transformation and agrifood systems, as well as changing economic incentives to develop and adopt labour-saving technologies. This paper provides an overview of the social implications of automation in agriculture, focusing on labour and employment, and provides policy recommendations. This working paper was developed as a background document for the FAO report "The State of Food and Agriculture 2022 – Leveraging automation in agriculture for transforming agrifood systems" (https://doi.org/10.4060/cb9479en).

Suggested Citation

  • Charlton, Diane & Hill, Alexandra E. & Taylor, J. Edward, 2022. "Automation and social impacts: winners and losers," ESA Working Papers 330793, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Agricultural Development Economics Division (ESA).
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:faoaes:330793
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.330793
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    Keywords

    Agribusiness; Agricultural and Food Policy; Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies;
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