A global approach to better understand work situations in agriculture: The "Transae 5 squares scheme" tool

Abstract

Agroecological transition involves changes for farms and for farmers: the ways they do and they think are modified. Indeed, real work is modified because workers incorporate new specifications, give up fertiliser and pesticide, focus on new objects, and use their bodies differently. Facilitating this transformation of farmers’ work requires adopting a systemic approach that takes into account all of its components.
The tool, proposed by ergonomics, and presented here permits this global approach. Based on the 5 squares scheme, the tool was developed during the Transae research action project. This tool identifies notions and keywords that are compiled in a schematic framework that positions and links the different elements with each other, suggesting proximity with or distance from each other. It defines what determines work, real work and the effects of work. It gives work a central position and focused on what occurs in farmwork situations. Given the name "Transae 5 squares scheme", this tool has been tested in real situations in the Transae project. The development agents who used it said they increased their credibility according to farmers, while the farmers assisted felty improvements in their work situations.