Brazilian settlers from agrarian reform in the Midwest region of Brazil: Factors involved in collective action through cooperatives and associations

Abstract

Abstract Because of the high concentration of land in Brazil, agrarian reform plays a significant role in reducing inequalities in the countryside. However, globalization increases competition, and the survival of farmers depends on technological and marketing efficiencies, which represent difficult aspects for settlers to address. Collective organizations are becoming increasingly important; however, these organizations are rare in the settlements. Based on this finding, this study identifies the factors that influence collective action in rural settlements in the Brazilian Midwest. For that, 1162 questionnaires were completed in 54 settlements in the states of the region, and 55 presidents of collective organizations were interviewed. Organizations were classified as commercial, political and mixed, depending on their activities. Most organizations invest mainly in short-term investments for which it is difficult to exclude beneficiaries. Sanctions are rare, and when they are possible, they are rarely applied. This is a problem in commercial organizations, where it is an obstacle for the effective participation of members. In political organizations, membership is not a problem, but the lack of leadership should be addressed. Mixed organizations are not a solution, since the characteristics of political and commercial organizations are antagonistic. The creation of two distinct organizations is preferable.