2005年-世界发展银行全球_Crop_Substitution_and_Diversification_Strategies___Empirical_Evidence_from_Selected_Brazilian_Municipalities_50页_1mb

Summary of "Crop Substitution and Diversification Strategies: Empirical Evidence from Selected Brazilian Municipalities"

Core Content

This document explores crop substitution and diversification strategies in selected Brazilian municipalities, specifically Santa Cruz do Sul, Schroeder, and Santa Rosa de Lima, as part of the World Bank's Health, Nutrition and Population (HNP) Discussion Paper series. The report aims to analyze the transition of small-scale family farmers from tobacco to alternative crops and assess the challenges and opportunities involved in such a shift.

Main Points

• Tobacco Industry Context: The global tobacco industry is expanding, with developing countries now accounting for 82% of world production (up from 51% in 1962) and 18% of the world's tobacco exports. Brazil has become one of the world's largest tobacco producers and exporters, driven by low production costs, high-quality Virginia tobacco, and an integrated production system.

• Brazilian Tobacco Farming: In southern Brazil, the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Paraná account for nearly 90% of the land used for tobacco farming and 93% of the country’s total tobacco production. The majority of tobacco farming is carried out by small landowners, with family labor comprising 92% of all workers in the sector.

• Economic Dependence on Tobacco: Many municipalities in the Rio Pardo Valley region of Rio Grande do Sul are heavily dependent on tobacco. However, in Santa Catarina, Schroeder and Santa Rosa de Lima are less reliant on tobacco income, which has created more favorable conditions for crop substitution and diversification.

• Challenges to Crop Substitution: The report identifies several major challenges, including:

  • Integrated Production Systems: These systems, which involve direct contracts between farmers and tobacco companies, make it difficult for farmers to switch to alternative crops.
  • Public Policies Supporting Tobacco: Some governments provide incentives to the tobacco industry, which hinders efforts to promote crop substitution.
  • Profitability of Tobacco: Tobacco is often more profitable than other traditional crops, which discourages farmers from switching.

• Opportunities for Diversification: Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for diversification, especially in areas where:

  • Alternative Crops like bananas, fresh vegetables, and organic produce are viable.
  • Supportive Infrastructure and market access for alternative crops exist.
  • Government and Industry Support for diversification initiatives is available.

• Case Studies:

  • Santa Cruz do Sul: A major tobacco hub in the Rio Pardo Valley, this municipality has a strong link to the global tobacco industry, but also shows some initiatives toward sustainable agro-ecological production.
  • Schroeder: This municipality has successfully diversified into banana farming, which has helped consolidate local agricultural patterns and improve economic stability.
  • Santa Rosa de Lima: Known for its focus on organic food crops, this area has seen a shift in agricultural practices, highlighting the potential of organic farming as an alternative to tobacco.

Key Information

• Data Collection Period: The report is based on data collected between January and June 2004, including interviews with organizations, producers' associations, and research institutions, as well as secondary sources such as newspapers and directories.

• Economic Impact: The report argues that tobacco control measures, such as tax increases, are not only cost-effective but can also lead to new job creation and increased tax revenues. It also highlights that the burden of tobacco-related diseases is shifting to low- and middle-income countries, making tobacco control more urgent in these regions.

• Global Trends: The global tobacco industry is increasingly moving to developing countries due to lower production costs, higher demand, and the presence of multinational tobacco companies. Brazil, in particular, has benefited from these trends, becoming the second-largest producer and exporter of tobacco.

• Recommendations: The report emphasizes the importance of supporting small farmers through crop substitution and diversification programs, which can contribute to sustainable local development. It also calls for stronger tobacco control policies, including tax increases, advertising bans, and public awareness campaigns.

Conclusion

The transition from tobacco to alternative crops in Brazil is influenced by a complex interplay of economic, social, and policy factors. While the integrated production system and public support for tobacco create significant barriers, the existence of favorable conditions for alternative crops offers promising opportunities. The case studies from Santa Cruz do Sul, Schroeder, and Santa Rosa de Lima provide empirical evidence of the potential and challenges of crop substitution and diversification in tobacco-producing regions. The report concludes that such strategies, when supported by appropriate policies and infrastructure, can lead to more sustainable and diversified local economies.

References and Appendices

• The report includes tables and figures that provide detailed data on tobacco production and exports in Brazil and globally.
• Table 1 outlines the world's leading tobacco-producing and exporting countries.
• Table 2 and Table 3 present data on tobacco production in southern Brazil, including the number of growers, area under cultivation, and economic indicators.
• Figure 1 and Figure 2 show global and regional trends in tobacco production and land distribution, respectively.
• Annexes provide additional geographic and statistical information to support the analysis.