World Bank Document

some, cotton picking provides a welcome influx of cash income. Cotton pickers receive a fixed rate 

in cash for each kilogram of cotton picked. Those who are able to harvest more than the daily quota 

receive additional “awards” such as cottonseed oil or stalks. In a cash-strapped economy, where most 

officials’ salaries are paid in the form of ‘non-cash’ bank transfers, cotton picking may be a way to 

access cash. In fact, low- and middle-income cotton pickers report that this cash income is important 

for family expenditures such as school fees and cultural celebrations such as weddings and funerals. 

Cotton pickers recruited from non-agricultural sectors of the economy continue to receive their normal 

salaries.