Effective use of labor resources in agriculture in Kazakhstan in the context of digital transformation

Abstract

The study addresses the problem of low labor productivity in Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector under conditions of digital transformation and structural changes in the economy. Agriculture remains an important component of national economic development and food security; however, the sector continues to face persistent challenges associated with technological constraints, workforce aging, labor outflow from rural areas, and insufficient investment activity. The purpose of this study is to assess the dynamics and efficiency of labor resource utilization in Kazakhstan’s agriculture during 2018–2024 and identify the main factors limiting productivity growth. The methodological framework includes statistical, comparative, structural, and econometric analysis using official national statistical data and analytical materials. The results reveal a reduction in agricultural employment, structural changes in workforce composition, low wage competitiveness, and substantial productivity gaps compared with high-performing sectors of the economy. The econometric assessment confirms statistically significant relationships between labor productivity, gross output, and wage levels, indicating that productivity growth remains predominantly driven by extensive and scale-related factors. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the development and empirical testing of an econometric model that quantifies the influence of agricultural output and wage levels on labor productivity in Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector under conditions of digital transformation. Unlike previous studies, the proposed approach provides an assessment of productivity elasticities with respect to key economic factors and identifies the predominance of extensive growth drivers. The authors’ contribution consists in integrating structural labor market analysis with econometric modeling of productivity determinants for the period 2018–2024 and developing evidence-based recommendations aimed at improving labor efficiency and strengthening the long-term competitiveness of Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector.