8.3 Labour requirements over the year

Labour requirements and labour availability have seasonal and long term variations. The peak season for agricultural activities often clashes with the peak season for forestry activities. In the case of larger-scale tree planting projects this can be a problem. As much work as possible should be completed outside the agricultural season (i.e. surveys, clearance, soil conservation measures, etc.).

An example of a form to use for planning the monthly labour requirements over the year is given on the opposite page. To get an idea you need to know which area will have to be worked, at what time of the year this work is due and how many workdays are needed to complete a task (clear one hectare, plant 2,000 seedlings, etc.). The latter is known as a work norm. A further explanation is given on the following page. Planting is the most critical activity as far as timing is concerned. It should always be carried out at the beginning of the rainy season. All the other operations should be planned around the planting.

To ensure an adequate supply of labour, sufficient pay, good working conditions and job security are essential. Sudden recruitment drives or large-scale labour redundancies must be avoided. For this, planning is needed.

Example: MONTHLY LABOUR REQUIREMENTS