Avaliação do financiamento da agricultura familiar na produção, ocupação e renda

Abstract

This study investigates the National Program for Strengthening for the Family Farmers (PRONAF), with a focus on the Group B of this Program, which is directed to reduce the rural poverty. The study evaluates the PRONAF B in terms of production, occupation and income of family farmers in the municipality of Irauçuba, in the state of Ceará. The methodology utilized bibliographical and documental research as well as a qualitative and quantitative field research. The results of the present field research were compared to a baseline, that is, a similar study conducted in 2005. The results here achieved demonstrate that PRONAF B can be considered as a relevant public policy that benefits poor family farmers. The program has been expanded although it can spread out even more. The Program has contributed to enhance the local caprine and ovine activities in terms of production and productivity. In addition, PRONAF B allowed family farmers to participate in new activities, and the Program allowed that these farmers do not leave their traditional activities. The main occupation of the family farmers is agriculture and livestock, which employ 2.5 persons per family. The net family income per month raised from R$ 320,79 (in 2005) to R$ 460,90 (2007). The income obtained from the financed activities was superior as compared to the income from non financed activities. However, the income acquired from the governmental social programs was superior as compared to the income from the financed activities. The study concluded that extension services offered to the family farmers does not exist, as well as other means of technical support to the activities financed by PRONAF B. In general, families that are participants of the Zero Hunger Program-Family Stamps qualify for PRONAF B as well. Although these families constitute the same target group, these two programs are not interconnected.