Technological Change and Caloric Costs: Sisal Agriculture in Northeastern Brazil 1

Abstract

This study of the consequences of the introduction of sisal agriculture to Northeastern Brazil exemplifies a fruitful area of collaboration between nutritionists and anthropologists. The process by which sisal leaves are transformed into exportable fiber is analysed with emphasis on the human energy expenditure required. Two representative household energy budgets are examined in detail to determine the impact of sisal labor. Energy costs of sisal laborers are so great in relation to wages that systematic deprivation of adequate calories to the non‐productive dependents of sisal workers is necessary. The rapidly growing children are especially affected. This process is exhibited statistically in a sampled population by relative retardation in growth rate among children of sisal workers.