Indigenous Female Migrant Fieldworkers in Northwestern Mexico: Perceptions of Working Conditions and Health

Introduction:   The agricultural valleys of Baja California have become poles of attraction for indigenous migrant labor due to their proximity to the United States market and intense agro-industrial development. The feminization of agricultural work has evolved due to the flexibility of women to change from one stage to another in the production process and from one product to another. This has resulted in a progressive rise in productivity, accompanied by increased health risks related to exposure to agrichemicals, as well as having to cut and pack the fruits and vegetables and engage in heavy labor.    

Methods:  Qualitative methods were used, including non-participant observation and group interviews. Information regarding working and living conditions was obtained from approximately 50 indigenous women in workshop settings using participative techniques.    

Results:  The women that participated in this study describe their working conditions as difficult and dangerous. They have no medical insurance and the sanitary conditions are deficient. In general they are not provided protective gear, drinkable water or places to eat. Their employers do not meet their responsibilities in terms of enrolling them in the social security system. Even though the female workers do not fumigate, they are practically sprayed upon since they stay in the fields during the spraying of agrichemicals. Their work activities and conditions can cause discomfort and illness due to carrying heavy boxes, not eating well, eating too fast and proximity to agrichemicals.    

Discussion:  These women are paid low salaries by piecework, under constant pressure due to uncertain conditions of job retention. They are subjected to asymmetric contracting and lack of benefits. They have to perform diverse tasks at an intense pace. They experience health problems related to the uncomfortable postures required, exhaustion due to heavy labor and insufficient rest, and exposure to agrichemicals without protective gear.