Workload composition of the organic horticulture

This project aimed the characterization of the physical workload of the organic horticulture by determining the frequency of exposure of operators to some activity categories. To do this, an adaptation of the PATH method (Posture, Activities, Tools and Handling) was done to be used in the context of agriculture work. The approach included an evaluation of physical effort demanded to perform the tasks in the work systems from an systematic sampling of work situations from a synchronized monitoring of the heart rate; a characterization of posture repertoire adopted by workers by adapting the OWAS method; an identification of pain body areas using the Corlett diagram; and a subjective evaluation of perceived effort using the RPE Borg scale. The results of the individual assessments were cross correlated and explained from an observation of the work activity. Postural demands were more significant than cardiovascular demands for the studied tasks, and correlated positively with the expressions of bodily discomfort. It is expected that, besides the knowledge obtained of the physical effort demanded by organic horticulture, this project will be useful for the development of new technologies directed to minimize the difficulties of the human work and to raise the work productivity.4115355536

Complexity and ergonomy: the manager work at the organic agriculture in Campinas-SP Brazil

The lack of research about the human work at the Organic agriculture stimulated this Study, which purpose was to characterize and understand the manager's job in managing organic farming. The field research was carried out In two stages. and allowed to investigate managers' work at organic agricultural production units (UPAO) from the interior of Sao Paulo state, through an adaptation of the ergonomics' analysis method (A ET) and structured interviews. The data collected were further interpreted in the light of the complexity theory (TC). It was possible 10 infer that the organic agricultural manager is accountable for a macro production system (vegetable, animal, processing and services). where the manager acts simultaneously as the administrator and also as the job performer The wide products variety offered by the organic agriculture demands an expertise from the manager in Order to deal with the different vegetable specimens and their integration with the remaining production systems. It wax concluded that the work performed by the managers is characterized by the diversity of activities, that need to be prepared and integrated within a macro system, associated with the certification process determinants, in absence of suitable technology context and uncertain and multiple scenarios. It comes to the manager to incorporate and to transform into work practices the ecological, economical and social sustainability principles, which can be contradictory among each other. They can integrate these multiple dimensions through the development and connection of several competences and knowledge, as well as elaborate strategies to overcome multiple difficulties related to the organic agriculture's technological, financial and human aspects.40231832

The importance of the fruit growing for the family farmers from the region of Jales-SP

The objective of the present study is to analyze the importance of fruit growing for the family farmers from the EDR (Rural Development Office) of Jales, specifically in three cities, Marinopolis, Santa Albertina and Santa Salete, concerning the maintenance of the families in the field as well as the generation of jobs. In order to collect data to elaborate this study, questionnaires were applied and interviews were done together with the producers from the micro-basins of the respective cities, particularly on the social, financial and productive policies. The fruit growing highlighted in the EDR in terms of Gross Value of Production. Among the fruits, the orange and the grape have presented the best results. Mainly grape growing reveled capable of generating income and keeping the producers in the field, as well as providing jobs for the children of these producers, and offering good economical conditions for the families, showing to be a good alternative for the small farmers.30235636