The (Un)Sustainability of Manual Sugarcane Harvesting

Abstract

This chapter concludes the book by considering the implications of the transition to the mechanization of sugarcane harvesting. Although the employment repercussions of the shift toward mechanization are dire, I argue that given the human, social, and environmental challenges, the current model of sugarcane labor is unsustainable. The concluding chapter asserts that as manual harvesting is superseded by mechanized harvesting, the loss of employment may impose pressure on the state and federal governments to create opportunities that will lessen the impetus to work under conditions that result in a higher-than-average mortality rate. The chapter presents an overview of the Bolsa Família program as an example of the Brazilian government’s demonstrated ability to address social problems. I argue that although the will is currently lacking, the Brazilian government has a responsibility to all its citizens, especially in light of Brazil’s influential position in the global economy.