102 Book Reviews 
Dixon (for example, Dixon and Schuerell, 1987) the comparative element 
has been much more pronounced and the information presented, therefore, 
that much more useful. 
There are also a number of smaller items of format that need attention 
and were distracting to this reviewer. In particular a map of Africa showing 
the geographical location, and perhaps other graphic information, of the 
countries presented was missed. The length of the presentations varied quite 
considerably, and widi litde relation to die size or (dare I say it) importance 
of the country — for example, Mauritius and Ghana use well over 40 pages 
each while Nigeria and Ediiopia barely 20 pages each. The appendices too 
are presented in a rather strange manner, widiout any explanation or real 
reference to diem, and using whole and half pages widiout any explanation 
for mis. Happily, however, die volume is indexed quite dioroughly. 
In brief dien, diis volume of writings on die social welfare systems of a 
selection of African countries is useful and valuable in die wealdi of 
information it presents. However, diere are serious limitations to its being 
presented as being of a comparative nature and a more explicit drawing out 
of some diemes, trends, conclusions, etc in an introductory and concluding 
chapter (at die very least) would have made die publication, in my opinion, a 
more useful text 
Reviewed by Brigid Willmore, Journal of Social Development in Africa, 
Harare. 
References 
Dixon J and Schuerell R (1987) "Social Security in Australia and die 
United States: A Comparison of Value Premises and Practices" in The 
Journal of International and Comparative Social Welfare, Vol HI, 1 
and 2, Spring and Fall, 1987. 
Plantations and Plantation Workers, J P Sajhau and J Von Muralt, ILO, 
Geneva, 1987 (207pp, Sfrs 27,50). 
This book has been written by two senior members of ILO and published by 
mat organisation. It follows the previous approach of ILO reports on 
plantations and is basically descriptive, depending on questionnaires sent to 
countries combined widi case studies. The book reviews die origins and 
concepts of plantations but skirts around controversy. 
The trends in production, consumption and die price of plantation crops 
are well described. The general pattern of increasing production combined 
widi static or declining consumption leading to declining prices is 
documented. The export dependency of countries on primary commodity 
plantation crops is described, but die vulnerability diese countries face due 
to die vagaries of international prices is neglected. The efforts to stabilise 
prices dirough International Agreements are described, diough die oudook
Book Reviews 103 
for most primary products is gloomy. The great diversity of structures widiin 
plantations and plantation economies is commented upon. Three themes 
are identified: 
(1) The shift of multinational corporations out of primary agricultural 
production into processing of primary products. 
(2) The shift in the pattern of ownership either to local control or to state 
ownership. 
(3) The development of joint ventures. 
Developments in technology in relation to production (genetic improvements, 
disease control and mechanisation) are described. Contrary to 
experiences in other industries these innovations may increase the demand 
for labour due to increased yields. 
The effects of government policy in relation to plantations are considered 
in relation to a number of countries. Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Cuba are cited 
for dieir nationalisation of estates. Ghana, Jamaica and Kenya are used as 
examples of countries which have attempted to support small holder 
production. Mauritius and the Dominican Republic are described as 
economies dependent on a plantation crop. The efforts to diversify crops in 
the Philippines are mentioned. The Malaysian example of how Malaysian 
business and government capital were used to buy out multinational 
corporations to establish national control is described. All of these country 
studies are long on description and short on analysis. Why did productivity 
fell in Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Jamaica? In Sri Lanka persistent 
undercapitalisation for the period 1960-1974 occurred. In Tanzania the 
international price of sisal fell while oil based products quadrupled in price. 
In Jamaica, while there was an attempt to redistribute land, the control of 
processing and thus the price paid remained in the control of multinational 
corporations. 
The patterns of labour availability, employment and conditions arc 
described. In some countries, eg Malaysia and Kenya, shortages occur. 
However, the reasons for these shortages (low wages relative to other 
sections and bad working and living conditions) are not mentioned. The 
unemployment and underemployment of workers in Sri Lanka are 
documented. The fact that such Tamil workers are not safe to seek work 
elsewhere and are thus captive within the sector is ignored. The shift from 
permanent to temporary, from male to female and child employment, and 
from wage employment to piece work payment is described in many 
countries. 
The setting of wages through tripartite agreements occurs in many 
countries often with governments setting minimum wages. The section on 
wage comparisons is most disappointing as the wages are given in nominal 
terms. In real terms die wages actually fell. The section on living conditions 
and occupational safety and health is disappointing. The origin of die
104 Book Reviews 
provision of housing in slave labour is mentioned. The recognition that 
productivity is related to housing is accepted. The legal provisions for 
housing in many countries is described, but the uneven implementation of 
these acts is skirted over. Innovative housing schemes, as occur in Malaysia, 
are mentioned as is the Plantation Labour Act of India with the attendent 
grant and loan schemes. 
The poor standards of health, child care, primary education and 
occupational safety are all mentioned. Innovative schemes, such as the 
Comprehensive Labour Welfare schemes in South India, are described. The 
weakness of unions in the plantation sector is highlighted as a problem for 
effective mobilisation to improve conditions. The conclusion of the book 
relates to the respective roles of government, employers and unions in 
relation to plantations. 
This book is essential reading for anybody interested in studying 
plantations. It should be read in conjunction with other ILO publications 
(eg Kurian, 1982; ILO, 1984) and the bibliography by Kirk (1987). The 
publication "People in plantations — Means or Ends" (IDS, 1987) covers 
similar ground to this book but is more analytical and critical. 
The ILO, by its tripartite.structure, has to balance on an unsteady path. 
This book reflects the problems this causes. The book is strong on 
description, weak on analysis and neglects controversy. Plantations are 
changing but where are they going? In many of the countries which have 
consented to remain primary producers for Western consumers, the oudook 
is grim. 
Alternatives exist, but these have been neglected. This book may be seen 
as the first word but definitely not the last word on plantations. 
Reviewed by Richard Laing, Ministry of Health, Harare, Zimbabwe. 
References 
IDS (1987) People in Plantations—Means or Ends, IDS Bulletin Vol 
18 No 2, Institute of Development Studies, Sussex. 
ILO (1984) Management in Tea Plantations, Geneva. 
Kurian R (1982) "Women workers in the Sri Lanka Plantation Sector" in 
Women Work and Development, ILO, Geneva. 
Kurk C (1987) People in Plantations, Annotated Bibliography, Institute of 
Development Studies, Sussex!