Agricultura familiar e o desenvolvimento local no Município de Santarém Novo (PA)

Abstract

Considering the complexity and challenges faced by smaller municipalities in the Amazon regarding sustainable development, this research focused on exploring the relationship between sustainable local development and family farming in the municipality of Santarém Novo, located in the Northeast region of Pará, the third smallest state, with 6,116 inhabitants. The purpose of this research was to understand the development concepts of key decision-makers in the municipality, including public officials and representatives of social organizations of local farmers, as well as to assess farmers' perceptions of government actions, especially those impacting the future of family farming. This proposal aimed to comprehend how these diverse perspectives influence actions and policies for local development planning, with an emphasis on family farming. To achieve these objectives, a transdisciplinary approach was adopted, employing a concurrent mixed methods methodology that combines quantitative and qualitative methods for a comprehensive evaluation of these interpretations. The quantitative strategy aimed to identify patterns and general trends in variables related to farmers' assessments, while the qualitative strategy explored the development cosmovisions of public officials and association representatives, based mainly on Ignacy Sachs' Theory of Dimensions of Sustainable Development, also supported by the development concepts of other authors such as David Korten and Amartya Sen. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews with managers and association presidents, and the application of forms to farmers. Quantitative data analysis used descriptive statistical methods, while qualitative data analysis was performed using Bardin's (2016) Content Analysis technique. As a result, the research presented, in addition to the current panorama of municipal development, a diversity of challenges faced by family farmers, including productive dynamics, labor and organizational relations, technical assistance, access to public policies, credit, markets, and social participation. It was also possible to list the main demands and needs of farmers for improving conditions in the sector. Farmers' assessments of the municipal government's actions on these issues were predominantly negative. Furthermore, the research evidenced a plurality of understandings about the aspects that compose development in the interviewees' view. Despite the distinct priorities and strategies addressed by different groups and individuals, the results generally highlighted a greater emphasis on the social dimension of sustainable development, encompassing elements such as health, education, and income, as well as the need to expand opportunities and capacities of individuals and access to non-productive activities such as leisure. These elements were widely recognized as fundamental to ensuring a solid foundation for individual and collective progress and well-being. There is also a shared perception of the importance of economic, territorial, and political aspects (national). The cultural dimension was also alluded to with considerable frequency. However, some areas, despite being considered important, were less emphasized by them, such as the ecological, environmental, and political (international) dimensions. In contrast, there was also an emphasis on considering more subjective aspects of human development, related to ethical, moral, religious, psychological values, and the strengthening of social relations, which refer to solidarity, respect, fraternity, and community sense.