Concepções sobre trabalho, processo saúde-doença e ambiente para agricultoras da Reserva de Desenvolvimento Sustentável do Rio Negro

Abstract

The way of life for women in rural areas is strongly influenced by the characteristics of the place where they live, impacting social production and reproduction, predominantly linked to the land, forest, and waters. Therefore, addressing the work situation, health-disease process, and environment of these women becomes challenging, as official data are not disaggregated by place of residence or workspaces. Considering the complexity of factors influencing the lifestyles of rural women, efforts were made to understand the conceptions of work, health-disease process, and environment for family farmers residing in the Rio Negro Sustainable Development Reserve (RDS) in the state of Amazonas. Based on the qualitative approach, documentary and bibliographic surveys, semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and field diaries were employed as instruments to gather information on daily life and site characterization. The obtained information was analyzed using Thematic Categorical Analysis. To carry out contextualized actions, favoring the farmers' access to the speaking role, Psychosociology was chosen as the theoretical-methodological framework. Concerning work issues, it was identified that work represents the health and autonomy of these farmers, who, despite recognizing the importance of work for themselves and the community, require more recognition and support from society and the government. Regarding the health-disease process, health was understood as the absence of disease and the possibility of working daily. To deal with everyday illnesses, farmers frequently resort to the knowledge of traditional Amazonian medicine. Attachment to native healing traditions and trust in knowledge and practices are influenced not only by elements of ancestral culture but also serve as alternatives to the lack of public health services in the locality. Regarding occupational accidents in agriculture, encounters with venomous animals and sharp objects are part of the daily work routine for women. Concerning the relationship that family farmers establish with the environment, it was observed that nature is seen as a source of life and subsistence, also demonstrating an attachment and affectionate relationship with the land, forest, and waters. The location of the Rio Negro RDS not only meets needs but also holds a symbolic meaning related to the identities of these family farmers, arousing feelings of security and well-being. Work, as a generator of autonomy, health, and disease, is situated in a place that significantly influences the lifestyles of farmers. Thus, work in family farming, the health-disease process, and the environment are intrinsically linked.