Harvesting Innovation: Exploring the Potential of an AI-Enabled Platform to Revolutionize Agricultural Labor Markets
Name
haywood-ehaywood-msms-sloan-2024-thesis.pdf
Description
Thesis PDF
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1.55 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
6a85c393b3ecedf043ef4ac2cfc4efce
Author(s)
Haywood, Eric Robert
Advisor(s)
Cusumano, Micheal A.
Date Issued
May 2024
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
Labor shortages in agriculture are a global problem that cause revenue losses and resource waste. In the US, immigration is the main source of such laborers, but labor immigration has decreased by 75% in recent years and costs due to unharvested crops due to labor shortage in agriculture were estimated at USD 3.1 Billion per year in 2014.
This thesis investigates the persistent labor shortages in the agricultural sectors of the southern United States and Mexico, exploring the feasibility of alleviating these shortages through a labor matching platform enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI). With a focus on the economic implications and structural deficiencies in agricultural labor markets, the study examines how a digital platform can bridge the gap between supply and demand for agricultural labor.
The research employs a multi-dimensional approach that includes extensive literature review, in-depth interviews with stakeholders, system dynamics modeling, and action research involving the launch of a company and release of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). The MVP, a foundational component of the proposed digital platform, has been tested in the market to gather quantitative data and insights using web advertising.
The findings highlight the platform’s potential to streamline labor matching processes, improve transparency, and increase efficiency in the agricultural labor market. Additionally, the integration of AI provides intelligent matchmaking capabilities, predicting and aligning labor needs with available workers more effectively.
Not only does this thesis provide a potential business model to tackle a critical economic problem, but it also contributes to the broader discourse on the role of technology in transforming traditional industries in advanced and emerging economies.
MIT Department
Sloan School of Management
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