Colombia’s Rural Unemployment Dips to 7.1% for March 2025

In March 2025, Colombia’s rural sector showed continuing improvement. The unemployment rate in the rural sector fell to 7.1%, marking its lowest level in the last six years for March. This achievement is a reflection of the sustained growth of rural employment and agriculture, which continue to be key pillars in the Colombian economy.

With 4.9 million people in total employed, the rural sector reached its highest level of employment for March since comparable records began (2001). This increase of 120,000 people compared to the same month in 2024 (2.5% growth) indicates strength and resilience of the agricultural sector, which continues to generate job opportunities in the country.

In terms of agriculture, livestock, hunting, forestry, and fishing, the sector employed 3.7 million people in March 2025, representing an increase of 381,000 people (+11.5%) compared to the same month last year. This figure positions the agricultural sector as the second economic activity that employs the most people in Colombia, with a participation of 15.5% of the entire employed population of the country.

Dora Inés Rey, director of the UPRA, highlighted: “The notable increase in employment in the rural sector demonstrates the fundamental role that agriculture and the countryside play in the economic and social development of Colombia. These results are proof that, through joint work and the implementation of effective policies, we continue to strengthen the employment and competitiveness of our producers.”

Photo credit: mariya_m from Pixabay.