Entre a Parceria e Diversificação Agrícola: a Reconstrução dos Assentados Sobre o seu Viver

Abstract

This article aims to provide an overview of the challenges faced by settled workers in the Horto Bueno de Andrada, in Araraquara town, Sao Paulo state, regarding the integration processes to work in partnership with the agricultural industries of the sugarcane ethanol sector in that region. We initially dealt with the issue of authorization to the cultivation of sugar cane – described by many settlers, members of the management board, and the mills as a partnership, which would represent an alternative for the of the settlers – and we went through the process including matters relating to the progress in plantations, agreements, and their effects on the livelihoods within the plots. While this approach emphasizes the economic characteristics of the partnership and the consequent economic development within the community, it foresees likewise further implications regarding the social, cultural, and environmental aspects to the livelihood in the settlement, due to the project has inevitably touched the lives of these people. We prioritize a methodology that encompassed field investigation that was conducted through field visits. Data was gathered during the visits and was recorded in research field diaries, also including document analysis, and individual interviews. We adopted a methodology that enables the recovery of a very useful empirical material, which shows how these settled people have to handle experiences and take on new roles when dealing with alternative practices, and the problems faced by these workers to stay on the land, whilst applying diverse methods and strategies in an attempt to grow their agricultural business and improve their economic status. Keywords: Rural Settlement; Qualitative Research; Agribusiness Partnerships; Agricultural Diversification.