Banca de DEFESA: BIANCA FERREIRA DUARTE

Uma banca de DEFESA de MESTRADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : BIANCA FERREIRA DUARTE
DATE: 03/07/2023
TIME: 14:00
LOCAL: Escola de Nutrição
TITLE:

Repercussions of Covid-19 on family farmers: a study on the production chain of cassava flour in the Recôncavo of Bahia

KEY WORDS:

pandemic, family farming, collective health, rural economy, cassava

PAGES: 111
BIG AREA: Ciências da Saúde
AREA: Nutrição
SUMMARY:

The COVID-19 pandemic generated one of the biggest crises in the world, with a reduction in the population's purchasing power, difficulties in accessing food and, at the national level, an increase in poverty and food insecurity. Brazil stood out among the most affected countries, with impacts on several segments, above all, on family farming, an essential sector for food supply, but marked by losses in public policies. Thus, this study sought to assess the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the living, health and work conditions of cassava flour producers in the Recôncavo of Bahia. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out, through the application of a questionnaire, with 96 farmers, from 11 municipalities, with data collection carried out through online filling and telephone interviews, during social distancing, and in person, after the distancing release. Data were treated by descriptive statistics and association tests (Chi-square, p value=0.05). Of the total participants, 26.9% were at risk of worsening COVID-19, 36.6% had symptoms of this disease and 19.4% tested positive; among respondents, 12.9% reported deaths in their communities. The producers' access to information about the disease, through communication media, was crucial to limit the number of cases. Despite the inadequacies of government actions and the local water insecurity situation, there was adherence to disease prevention measures, especially the use of masks and hand hygiene - however, without significant differences in terms of sociodemographic characteristics. Still, 84.9% reported good distribution of the vaccine. In the analysis of the repercussions of COVID-19 on work, 86 farmers were considered in the sample, of which 64% indicated changes in the volume of flour production and income. There was a reduction in monthly production, in the number of workers and hours worked in the flour mills, in addition to a reduction in marketing channels. The increase in income from flour production was associated with a small number of more experienced producers (p=0.047). Despite the maintenance of fairs in the municipalities, there were changes in customer behavior. Online commerce and delivery were not very representative. Of those interviewed, 50% reported concern that food would run out. Government measures aimed at family farmers did not have a satisfactory reach among the participants. Most received emergency aid, and are also beneficiaries of social programs, which highlights vulnerabilities in the sector. The study signals the need for actions and investments that can dignify the living conditions of farmers and improve the infrastructure of flour mills, promoting development and innovation in this production chain. It is hoped that the study can support decision-making within the scope of public health and agriculture policies aimed at this social category. Furthermore, it seeks to achieve better guidance for producers on the importance of adopting Good Practices in the production of flour and health care, for the prevention of diseases.

 

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Presidente - 287774 - RYZIA DE CASSIA VIEIRA CARDOSO
Interna - 287689 - SANDRA MARIA CHAVES DOS SANTOS
Externa ao Programa - 1061061 - VIRGINIA CAMPOS MACHADO - UFBAExterna ao Programa - 2349558 - GILCA GARCIA DE OLIVEIRA - UFBA