This paper provides a synthesis of the empirical literature on the key issues in agricultural and rural labour markets since the 1960s, drawing mainly upon studies from the United States and the European Union, but also including relevant material from developing countries. The contribution of this meta-analysis lies in its unique structure as it covers the main research questions that have been addressed in the literature and includes the most cited papers from the American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Journal of Agricultural Economics, European Review of Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Economics as well as other reports and EU-funded projects. Each research question is accompanied by a tabular summary that classifies the individual studies according to the methodology and the variables employed. The heterogeneous conditions across countries, the different research questions and methodologies, and the type of data employed have sometimes led to conflicting results. Nevertheless, by comparing the results, it is possible to assess the significance and the direction of the determinants of rural labour allocation and its adjustments, and thus contribute to a better understanding of the functioning of rural labour markets. Lastly, by recognising the importance of the institutional framework, the paper provides useful policy insights.