The Risk Perception of Tobacco Production and its Contribution in the Productive Conversion Discussion in the Settlement 25 de Maio, Santa Terezinha/SC – Brazil

Abstract

International organizations report that over the last fifteen years tobacco production has declined amongthe world’s principal producing countries. However, Brazil has shown a significant increase of theirproduction in the last decade, consolidating itself as the second largest world producer since 2000.Furthermore, we find that the mobilization efforts and measures taken in relation to the risks of tobaccoconsumption worldwide have been increased, while those associated with the risks of tobacco productionhave not. Whereas the risk perception is a social construction rooted in the socio-cultural dimension,as well as in the concrete effect of an action, this paper discusses the perception of farmers from thesettlement known as “25 de Maio”, with respect to the risks of tobacco production. It also examinesthe contribution that this reflection on the collective risk perception makes to a process of convertingproduction to medicinal plants, herbs and condiments. It appears that all of the families interviewedwould stop producing tobacco since they realize that this activity causes the deterioration of their workingconditions and health, but the income generated is the factor that determines their decision to work inthis activity. However, the fact that these families belong to a social movement strengthens the collectiveperception of and reflection on the risks inherent to tobacco production, and contributes as a foundation for the process of production conversion.