In the southwestern Alentejo, between 10,000 and 15,000 Asian immigrants work annually in agriculture, a sector vital for the local economy and national exports. However, the housing conditions for these workers have been precarious, with many living in refurbished containers or overcrowded private homes. To address this situation, a project is underway to create collective agricultural residences that guarantee decent living conditions, inspired by a Spanish model with more than two decades of success.

Current problems in the housing of agricultural workers

Migrant workers, mainly from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Thailand, face expensive, unsustainable, and inadequate housing conditions. The Temporary Movable Accommodation Facilities (IATAS), similar to containers, accommodate only a portion of the workers and are insufficient to meet the full demand. Often, workers live in private homes rented by employers, but these accommodations are frequently overcrowded, compromising the quality of life and well-being of these essential workers for regional agriculture.

The Spanish model as a reference for agricultural residences

The Association of Horticulturists, Fruit Growers, and Florists of Southwestern Alentejo (AHSA) has been promoting the creation of collective agricultural residences inspired by the Tariquejo Residence model in Cartaya, in the province of Huelva, Andalusia, Spain. This model, operating since 2010, is owned by a cooperative of agricultural companies and receives government support. The residence offers rooms equipped with two to three beds, bathrooms, dining areas, refrigerators, and washing machines, as well as modular structures for shorter stays. Workers have access to services such as Spanish language courses and other training, and transportation to workplaces and essential services is provided.

Benefits of collective agricultural residences

The implementation of agricultural residences in Alentejo would bring multiple advantages. In addition to ensuring dignified and comfortable living conditions for workers, it would reduce employers' dependence on local landlords, decreasing the risk of exploitation and additional costs. Centralizing accommodation would facilitate oversight and control of working and living conditions, contributing to the reduction of criminal organizations involved in illegal housing. Moreover, the model promotes social integration and sustainable mobility in the region, fostering coordinated management between companies, municipalities, and the government.

Investment and partnerships for the project

The estimated investment to create a unit for about 500 workers, similar to the Spanish one, is around five million euros, while the total required to globally improve housing conditions may reach 50 million. AHSA has already initiated contacts with the Ministries of Agriculture, Infrastructure, Housing, and the Presidency, and is forming a working group with local companies, the Odemira City Council, and the Regional Coordination and Development Commissions of Alentejo and Algarve. Some companies in the region have already expressed interest in the project, which aims to replicate Spanish best practices adapted to the local reality.

Socioeconomic context of southwestern Alentejo

Agriculture in southwestern Alentejo covers about six thousand hectares and generates an annual turnover of nearly 500 million euros, accounting for one-third of the region’s tax revenue. Immigrant workers are fundamental to this sector, representing a significant portion of the workforce. The creation of agricultural residences is therefore a priority to ensure the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of the region, promoting sustainable development and the modernization of irrigation, which are essential for the future of local agriculture.

Challenges and future prospects

Despite the progress, the agricultural sector faces challenges such as regulatory restrictions in the Natural Park, which hinder essential practices, and delays in licensing housing on farms. The creation of collective agricultural residences emerges as a strategic solution to mitigate these difficulties, improving workers' living conditions and strengthening the sector. Collaboration between companies, municipalities, and the government will be crucial for the success of this project, which could serve as a model for other agricultural regions in Portugal.

Agricultural residences represent an innovative and necessary response to improve the housing of immigrant workers in southwestern Alentejo. Inspired by a proven Spanish model, these collective residences promise to ensure dignified conditions, promote social integration, and strengthen the sustainability of the agricultural sector. Investment and cooperation among all involved parties are essential to turn this vision into reality, ensuring a fairer and more prosperous future for agriculture and local communities.