Work Organization Model Applied on Smallholder Dairy Farms in Brazil

Abstract

This research identified difficulties faced by dairy farmers in family farming, describing this diagnosis through ergonomic demand items (EDIs). The objective was to elaborate an organization model of work related to dairy farming (WRDF). As a methodology, a descriptive exploratory study was carried out in 14 family dairy farms that were visited and had their activities monitored. As main results, 11 EDIs were identified. The ones grouped in the infrastructure factor showed the highest resolution priority. The WRDF model was composed of three categories: management, public policies management and infrastructure, which were further subdivided into technical and social aspects. From this perspective, it is believed that the implementation of the model can bring organizational improvement, once adjustments are made in the procedures and working conditions. This study sheds light on the conditions that need to be resolved with higher priority so that the farmers will remain in the dairy business.