Abstract
The goal is an integrated approach characterizing the state of labor resources in agricultural sector of the Republic of Kazakhstan; identifying the main problems and ways to solve them to increase employment and well-being of rural residents. Methods – monographic, economic-statistical, abstract-logical, qualitative and quantitative methods of scientific research. Results – based on application of economic-statistical method, it is noted that provision of personnel to agricultural sector of the republic’s economy is unsatisfactory in terms of both quantitative and qualitative indicators. Foreign experience in supporting labor activity in agriculture has been studied. The issues of implementing state programs for sustainable development of agro-industrial complex of Kazakhstan are analyzed. The dynamics of changes in labor force nationwide by gender and age for the period from 2019 to 2023 are presented. The level of wages in agro-industrial production is shown in comparison with other sectors of economy. The authors provide data on shortage of labor reserves at the average and managerial level of agricultural enterprises. Trends in the number of employed people and reasons for the outflow of young personnel from rural areas have been identified. Proposals have been developed to increase the number of people employed in agricultural sector of the republic. Conclusions - scientific results obtained during the study can be used to develop and implement various government programs aimed to increase employment, level and quality of life of rural residents of Kazakhstan. The efficient use of human capital contributes to the growth of labor productivity in rural areas. The expansion of rural employment in modern conditions is associated with development of the real sector of economy and small businesses, industry diversification, use of various types of agribusiness, primarily processing, tourism, service sector, and alternative activities of economic entities.