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Not your average job: measuring farm labor in Tanzania

Author

Listed:
  • Arthi, Vellore
  • Beegle, Kathleen
  • De Weerdt, Joachim
  • Palacios-Lopez, Amparo

Abstract

The extent of bias in smallholder farm labor data is examined by conducting a randomized survey experiment amongst farming households in rural Tanzania. Benchmark agricultural labor estimates obtained from weekly surveys are compared to those from a traditional single end-of-season recall survey. Traditional recall-style modules overestimate hours worked per person per plot by a factor of 3.4. This recall bias is driven by the mental burdens of reporting on highly variable agricultural work patterns. All things equal, studies suffering from this bias would understate agricultural labor productivity.

Suggested Citation

  • Arthi, Vellore & Beegle, Kathleen & De Weerdt, Joachim & Palacios-Lopez, Amparo, 2016. "Not your average job: measuring farm labor in Tanzania," IOB Analyses & Policy Briefs 21, Universiteit Antwerpen, Institute of Development Policy (IOB).
    • Handle: RePEc:iob:apbrfs:2016004
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    JEL classification:

    • C8 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • Q12 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Micro Analysis of Farm Firms, Farm Households, and Farm Input Markets

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