Tunis, Tunisia – (African Boulevard News) – Working in extreme heat can be a grueling and challenging experience, especially for those in the agricultural sector. As temperatures soared to a scorching 50 degrees Celsius during a recent heatwave in Tunisia, farm laborers found themselves on the front line, enduring long hours under the scorching sun. One Tunisian farm laborer, Fatima, shared her experience, expressing the lack of choice many workers face when it comes to toiling in unbearable conditions.
Fatima, a 45-year-old mother of three, has been working in the agricultural sector for over two decades. When she spoke to journalists at the end of July, the North African country was going through an intense and unusual heatwave, with temperatures hitting 50 degrees Celsius in the shade in the capital, Tunis. Fatima revealed that working in such extreme heat was not a choice but a necessity for her and many others.
“We have no choice but to work in these conditions,” Fatima stated. “If we don’t work, we won’t have money to feed our families. It’s a matter of survival for us.”
According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), agriculture is one of the sectors most affected by heat stress due to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. The ILO estimates that around 70% of the world’s poorest people rely on agriculture for their livelihoods, making them the most vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat.
Experts warn that working in high temperatures can have severe health consequences, including heatstroke, dehydration, and even death. The situation is exacerbated for those who lack access to proper hydration, shade, and adequate breaks.
Karima, a health worker who has been assisting farm laborers during the heatwave, highlighted the dangers they face. “Many workers suffer from heat exhaustion and dehydration,” she said. “We have treated cases of workers collapsing due to the extreme heat and lack of proper rest.”
Efforts are being made to raise awareness about the risks faced by farm laborers and advocate for better working conditions. Organizations like the Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT) have been pushing for the enforcement of labor laws that regulate working hours, breaks, and access to shade and water.
However, the reality on the ground remains challenging, with many workers feeling trapped in a cycle of poverty and exploitation, unable to demand better conditions due to fear of losing their jobs.
As the world grapples with the increasing effects of global warming, it is crucial to prioritize the well-being and safety of workers in high-risk sectors like agriculture. Governments, employers, and civil society must work together to ensure that farm laborers are protected from the hazards of extreme heat and that their rights are upheld.
In the scorching heat of Tunisia, Fatima and countless others continue to toil, not by choice, but by necessity. It is the responsibility of society at large to advocate for their rights and ensure that no worker is left to suffer in the sweltering heat without a choice.
