The Application of Lean Production as a Strategy to Minimize Waste in Family Farming.
Human Needs, Small Communities, Global Goals, Health Promotion, Sustainable Rural Development, Losses, Production Cycle.
In the past, agriculture focused on human needs, but faced with market demand, the peasantry had to (re)organize itself to serve different markets, with family farming emerging as a catalyst for developing small communities, going beyond mere subsistence. However, the global challenge of reducing high rates of food waste, especially in fruits and vegetables, persists. Although Brazil stands out among the world's largest vegetable producers, losses along the production chain are notable. This study addresses the problem by applying the principles of the Lean Production model to vegetable production on a family farming property in Helvécia, Bahia, using tools such as SWOT Analysis, Ishikawa diagram and PDCA. The research is relevant due to the crucial role of family farming in promoting health, food security and reducing hunger, highlighting the importance of strategies to minimize food waste and contribute to global goals of sustainability and sustainable rural development. A narrative literature review reveals how family farming aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda, with a focus on reducing poverty and hunger. A bibliometric review between 2014 and 2021 examines the contributions of family farmers to the SDGs and investigates practices to mitigate food losses in family production, employing qualitative methodology. The positive impact of the Decade of Family Farming (2019-2028) on academic publications stands out, aligning with the SDGs. Results highlight the need to strengthen the different groups in family farming to boost sustainable rural development and achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda. Family farming, driven by globalization and innovations, faces challenges in managing processes and implementing technologies. The philosophy of lean manufacturing emerges as a revolutionary approach to eliminating losses and waste, providing benefits to family agricultural organizations.