Challenges and resilience: Exploring the socioeconomic conditions and health concerns of coffee plantation workers in Wayanad District

Abstract

This study examines the socioeconomic and health conditions of coffee plantation workers in Wayanad district, Kerala, with a focus on factors impacting job satisfaction and well-being. Using data from 200 respondents, the study explores the effects of income, healthcare access, policy awareness, and safety training on workers' satisfaction levels. Factor analysis identifies key dimensions influencing health and socioeconomic conditions, while econometric models, particularly ordered logistic regression, highlight the significant roles of income, healthcare quality, and training on job satisfaction. Findings reveal that higher income, accessible healthcare, and awareness of policies enhance job satisfaction, though barriers such as remote healthcare access and gender disparities persist. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions, including better healthcare access, wage support, and gender-sensitive policies, to improve working conditions and quality of life. These insights can guide policy makers in fostering a more supportive and sustainable environment for plantation workers in Wayanad.