Agricultura familiar como fonte de renda e subsistência no Ramal do Mutum, Tartarugalzinho, Amapá

Abstract

Family farming is characterized by being an activity carried out on small rural properties, with a workforce predominantly formed by family members; responsible for the production of food that supplies part of the Brazilian domestic market, being a source of income for the farmer. In this sense, the objective of this work is to analyze the economic and social importance of family farming for families at the Mutum branch, in the municipality of Tartarugalzinho, Amapá. The field research was carried out between the months of December 2019 and January 2020, through interviews andquestionnaires to 21 family farmers, about the characterization of the farmer and his property, the agricultural activities developed, commercialization and socioeconomic aspects, access to public policies and technical guidance to support family farming and the difficulties faced in this activity. Most of the interviewees are men (71.4%), aged between 60 and 70 years, 38.1% are illiterate, residents and producers for more than 10 years and who cultivate several temporary and permanent species, especially cassava, corn, banana, pupunha, cupuaçu, rice, beans, coconut, açaí and byproducts, such as manioc flour, in addition to the production of free-range chicken and pigs. Access to technical guidance and credit facilities provided by the government is deficient, due to the limited provision of services by the competent institutions of the state. Engagement in social organizations is little practiced by farmers, making them increasingly isolated in decision-making. The main marketing channels used are free fairs offered by the state and municipality, as well as direct local sales to consumers. The prices charged at the time of sale pass variation between the harvest and offseason periods. Among the difficulties faced, the logistics of product flow stood out, including the means of transport available and the poor quality of the roads. Most farmers have income linked exclusively to family farming activities and have seen an increase in income and an improvement in quality of life over the years