Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 9.1 Distribution of population in different settlement types
Quinta
Town
City
SD
Producers
43
18
24
1
Producer's family
23
9
9
1
Medieros
38
14
5
2
Mediero's family
49
16
5
2
Labourers
36
31
6
12
Total
189
88
49
18
55%
26%
14%
5%
The working conditions and environment associated with these horti-
cultural production areas that either favourably or unfavourably influence the
population's health were of interest in this study. In essence, the labour
process, consumption patterns, lifestyle and home life all contribute to a
persons 'epidemiological history' (Breilh, 1997, p100). Perceptions regarding
health were also explored in this study. No epidemiological work has been
done on farmers in Rosario in the past.
Access to health services was through City Hall primary care centres
which were geographically closest to the quintas. There are three health
centres near the horticulture zone: El Gaucho, Tı´ o Rolo and San Vicente de
Paul. These provide primary care, especially for women and children. Fewer
men go to the health care centres since it is more di
cult for them to get leave
from the quintas where they work.
O
BJECTIVES AND
H
YPOTHESES
General objectives
The general objective of this study was to document, characterize and
understand the health risks and protective measures used in vegetable
production within the horticultural units, and to assess their impact on the
health of the population closely related to the production.
Specific objectives
The specific objectives were to:
1 understand and describe the socio-technical and organizational factors
associated with vegetable production processes in the Rosario green belt
2 describe the characteristics of the population involved in vegetable growing
and the specific links this population has with the production units
3 analyse the environmental conditions and production practices that may
have negative and positive consequences for the health of the population
involved
4 understand the perceptions this population had about health risks.
