Wrong time to be born? How peripartum timing affects agricultural labor, productivity, and child health in Africa
The timing of pregnancy and child-birth relative to agricultural calendar, especially for the main crop, has potential implications for both farm productivity and maternal health.
Abstract
In rural Africa, agriculture employs the majority of the workforce and remains largely rainfed. The timing of pregnancy and child-birth relative to agricultural calendar, especially for the main crop, has potential implications for both farm productivity and maternal health. Pregnancy and the immediate postpartum period substantially reduce women’s capacity for physically demanding work. The trade-off tips towards reduced labour supply, which affects agricultural productivity and children’s health.
This is an output of the Gender, Growth and Labour Markets in Low Income Countries programme.
Citation
Mulungu K and others. ‘Wrong time to be born? How peripartum timing affects agricultural labor, productivity, and child health in Africa’ G2LM LIC Policy Brief No. 83, 2025