Economia de subsistência e saúde: caso dos catadores de materiais recicláveis na lixeira de Hulene, cidade de Maputo (2024)

Abstract

This monograph, entitled "Subsistence economy and health: The case of recyclable material pickers at the Hulene landfill, Maputo City - 2024", aimed to understand the strategies used by these pickers to manage their health amidst exposure to waste. The central issue of this study lies in the way solid waste management is conducted by the municipality, the pickers themselves, and the population of Maputo, contributing to increased exposure of these workers to the risk of diseases. The research aimed to investigate how pickers deal with these health challenges in their working environment. Using Ulrich Beck's theory of risk society as an analytical basis, and adopting a qualitative approach, interviews were conducted with eight recyclable waste pickers at the Hulene landfill. The results revealed that the working environment of these pickers is characterized by significant health risks, including diseases such as cholera, malaria, and respiratory ailments, resulting from direct exposure to waste. Working conditions at the landfill are described as chaotic and dangerous, with a lack of access to adequate healthcare and resources to ensure effective preventive measures. The lack of alternative job opportunities and support from local authorities highlight the urgency of interventions to improve the living conditions of these workers. In summary, this study underscores the need for policies and intervention measures that promote the health and wellbeing of recyclable material pickers, ensuring their fundamental rights and sustainable environmental management.