Developing Agriculture Skills to Alleviate Poverty in Malaysia: A Case Study in Perlis

Abstract

This study explores the characteristics of hard-core poor individuals on agricultural skills in reducing poverty, with a focus on traditional and alternative agriculture. The study sample consists of 315 hard-core individuals participating in the Basmi Miskin Tegar (BMT) program in Perlis, selected from e-Kasih data provided by the Perlis Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU). Through descriptive analysis, the majority of respondents were found to be male, married, and have secondary education. Most of the respondents work in labor and services, followed by agriculture, food & traditional goods, with a smaller group in fisheries. A key contribution of the study is the development and application of a Skills Index (SI) to measure
human capital in agriculture. Regardless of occupation, most respondents possess moderate skill levels, with few achieving high skill levels. This highlights challenges in workforce skills and productivity in agriculture due to limited human capital. The research advocates for government interventions tailored to the specific needs of the agriculture workforce, particularly focusing on gender-specific training, skill development workshops, and support for alternative livelihoods. By addressing these skill gaps, the study posits that poverty in Perlis can be significantly reduced, leading to improved economic stability and better livelihoods for the agriculture rural hard-core poor.