Labor Use Dynamics from Family Coffee Farms of Zona Da Mata–Region of Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Abstract

Labour is an important factor for the viability of coffee farming and other family-owned agricultural activities in the Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Labour shortages reflect on decision-making and the logic of agricultural management, which influences regional agricultural diversity. The objective of this work was to identify the dynamics of the labour adopted by family farmers, as well as to analyze the panorama of labour use of pluriactivity that favours agrobiodiversity. For data collection, it was applied a semi-structured interview script and visited all properties studied. The methodologies of the activity matrix and labour allocation in 25 properties were applied. The labour allocation matrices provided information and structural scenario of labour distribution for the main activities (coffee, maize, livestock, and horticulture) that occur in the properties throughout the year. The results indicate that coffee crops demand more labour from April to July, according to the harvesting and drying of fruits. Maize cultivation requires more labour from October to December, time of tillage, planting, and initial crop treatment. Activities such as livestock and vegetable production tend to require less labour; however, such demands are more constant throughout the year. Assuming that the dynamics of labour allocation follow a seasonal pattern of activities and tasks, farmers can maintain high diversification through the availability of family labour across different agricultural systems.