Abstract

SPRINGBOK, Victoria; GRAUPNER, Lene I.  and  ROSSOUW, Lizelle. Exploring the job demands and resources of farmworkers in the South African agricultural sector. SAJHRM [online]. 2025, vol.23, pp.1-13. ISSN 2071-078X.  https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhrm.v23i0.2910.

ORIENTATION: Farmworkers in the agricultural sector are frequently exposed to a range of occupational stressors. The interplay between job demands and available resources plays a critical role in shaping their work-related well-being RESEARCH PURPOSE: This study explored the perceptions of rural farmworkers in the Northern Cape province regarding their job demands and available job resources MOTIVATION FOR THE STUDY: Farmworkers are a marginalised group highly dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods; however, their experiences are underexplored RESEARCH APPROACH/DESIGN AND METHOD: The study employed a qualitative research design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants (N = 20) from five different farming locations. The data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify key patterns and themes MAIN FINDINGS: The findings highlight a work environment marked by high job pressure, interpersonal challenges, and adverse working conditions. Despite these challenges, farmworkers identified several supportive resources that positively contributed to their ability to perform their jobs effectively PRACTICAL/MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS: The study shows the need for agricultural organisations to enhance the availability of job resources, particularly through Employee Assistance Programmes and support initiatives CONTRIBUTION/VALUE-ADD: This research provide insights into the interplay between job demands and resources for farmworkers. Practical recommendations to improve the quality of work-life in the agricultural sector are made

Keywords : agricultural sector; farmworkers; rural; South Africa; job demands; job resources; work-related well-being; Northern Cape.

        · text in English     · English ( pdf )