The Remarkable Transformation of Agricultural Labor in Madinah: A 70-Year Journey

The Profound Shift in Agricultural Labor in Madinah

Before the dawn of industrialization, government roles, and a robust private sector—roughly 70 to 80 years ago—the dominant profession for the people of Madinah and surrounding regions was agriculture. This article will explore the complete journey of agricultural labor in Madinah, tracing its evolution from a community-centric, subsistence activity to the modern, structured system we see today. If you seek to understand the socio-economic fabric of this holy city, the story of its land and workers provides a powerful lens.

1. The Era of Self-Sufficiency: Farming and Herding Before the 1360s Hijri

For generations, agricultural labor in Madinah was fundamentally local and familial. In the absence of formal salaries, government jobs, or social insurance systems—all modern concepts—people’s primary sources of income were farming and all its related activities, as well as animal husbandry.

• Family-Centric Work: The farmer worked his land alongside his children. Similarly, the owner of livestock (sheep, goats, or camels) worked with his family and relatives.
• Simple Barter Systems: If a farmer needed extra help, he could hire someone, often compensating them at the end of the season with dates or a small amount of money. A livestock owner might give a helper some animals or money. The work was simple, and the compensation was equally straightforward, sometimes including provisions for food.
• Historical Migration for Work: I have documented accounts from elderly residents in the Al-Uyun district of Madinah who traveled to work in the Levant (Ash-Sham) and Palestine as agricultural laborers around the Hijri years 1300 to 1360.

2. The Early Changes: Local Labor and the First Migrant Workers

From approximately 1360 Hijri to 1390 Hijri, agricultural labor in Madinah was still predominantly carried out by people from the region itself. Either the farm owner worked his own land, or he hired people from the local area.

The first external group to enter this sphere were our brothers from Yemen, owing to the proximity of the country. They worked in farms in limited and known numbers—I remember them from my childhood. This period marks the initial shift from a purely local workforce.

3. The Turning Point: Economic Boom and the Advent of Formal Foreign Labor

The real transformation in agricultural labor in Madinah began with the introduction of the visa system for expatriate workers. This coincided with a significant improvement in the economic situation of the local population. The rise of government and private sector jobs, coupled with the spread of education, naturally led to a societal shift.

As a society develops and economic conditions improve, difficult professions with limited returns typically shift to become the domain of expatriate labor. This is a global phenomenon. Agricultural work, in particular, is arduous—a farmer would work from dawn to dusk in his field, primarily aiming to cover his basic food needs with minimal financial return.

My personal recollection from the Al-Uyun area is that around 1397 Hijri, my late father and some of our neighbors brought in workers from Afghanistan and Pakistan on visas. This was the beginning of a new era.

4. The Modern Landscape: A Diversified Foreign Workforce

As development accelerated, thanks to God Almighty and then due to the efforts of our leadership and state—which focused on developing the country, diversifying economic sources, and improving living conditions—more job opportunities emerged in industry, trade, and various sectors.

Consequently, the majority of agricultural labor in Madinah from 1397 Hijri to the present day has been carried out by expatriate workers from multiple countries, particularly Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and others. This ensured that vital but demanding sectors like agriculture did not stall the nation’s continuous development march.

For further reading on global agricultural labor trends, you can refer to studies by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

5. Documenting Heritage: Incredible Feats of Local Farmers

This documentation stems from a gathering where we discussed these historical changes. We learned from experts and elders that before about 60 years ago, most agricultural work was done by the farm owners themselves. They recounted astonishing skills, such as a farmer climbing a date palm to pollinate it (a process called taleeḥ) barefoot.

We have verified many such accounts. Today, we marvel because even current workers would not climb a thorny date palm barefoot. But the local farmers of old, out of profound love for their farms and palm trees, possessed an incredible tolerance. Their bare feet were unaffected by thorns or the rough texture of the palm trunk—a testament to their dedication and resilience, subhan Allah.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Resilience and Progress

The history of agricultural labor in Madinah is a microcosm of Saudi Arabia’s broader narrative of growth. It reflects a journey from community-based subsistence to a modern, diversified economy integrated with a global workforce. This shift was not an abandonment of heritage but an adaptation that allowed the community to prosper while ensuring essential work continued.

Documenting these glimpses into the agricultural heritage of Madinah is crucial. It preserves the memory of the extraordinary dedication of its people and provides valuable insight into the socio-economic forces that shape societies. We ask Allah that this knowledge is of benefit, and all praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds.

For more insights into the history of the Arabian Peninsula, explore our article on the cultural history of Saudi Arabia’s regions.

Read more about Madinah in our Blog Section