Socio-economic status of latex harvesters in the smallholder rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) sector in Kegalle district, Sri Lanka: A case study

Abstract

The Latex Harvesters (LH) play a crucial role in the smallholder rubber sector. This study was carried out to assess the income level and critical socio-economic status of LH. A stratified random sample of 296 LH is drawn in Kegalle district during 2020 (October – December), and a questionnaire survey was carried out employing equal numbers from both categories of LH who harvest their own rubber lands (LHown) and those who are hired by landowners (LHhired). Descriptive statistics, a two-sample t-test, and Wilcoxon rank-sum test were used to analyse. The level of overall job satisfaction was significantly higher in LHown compared to LHhired category. The LHhired were paid an average daily wage of 560 LKR/day with a range of 375-680 LKR/day. The monthly income of the households of LHown category was 45,281 LKR which was significantly different from that of LHhired category (LKR 30,504). Everyone in the LHhired category and four persons in the LHown category were involved in slide jobs to earn money to meet the living expenses of their households. In terms of assets, LHown had its own houses, whilst 16% of LHhired did not own the houses. Nearly 81% of the households of LHown possessed either a motor bicycle or a three-wheeler for their transport, whereas only 51% of households of LHhired possessed the same. Expenses for various purposes except for loans of LHown were significantly higher than that of LHhired. Hence, this study recommended paying attention to the LH, focusing on morale development and recommending a reasonable wage rate to uplift their income status, as retaining them in the rubber industry is essential for the sustainability of the rubber sector.