Family farming: The importance of growing beans in the state of Paraíba as a sustainable alternative for rural people

Abstract

Family farming is increasingly gaining prominence by constantly reflecting on its benefits, whether in social or economic terms. The development of family farming is not something recent, but has been gaining strength by promoting an interaction of multiple interest between rural classes, scientific research and public policies. It is revealing a new way of looking at small producers. In addition, this activity provides environmental sustainability, improving the quality of life of the farmer and his production. Bean production is closely linked to family farming and is cultivated by a wide range of farmers with the most varied profiles. In this sense, this study aims to highlight the importance of family farming and its relationship with bean cultivation in the state of Paraíba - PB, since this activity is one of the bases of production for rural people. The study relied on a search and compilation of results from the database of the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) for the period from 2017 to 2021, in addition to a thorough review of academic papers on the respective area of study on the platform “google academic”. In this context, it is necessary to take a thorough look when it comes to agricultural production, and it is clear that the area planted and harvested in 2021 had a considerable drop compared to 2020, but when checking the quantity produced and the average yield compared to 2017, the year 2021 was superior, since technologies and new methodological practices constantly optimize the agricultural sector. Family farming is a strong basis for the rural man's conquest of a dignified and fair life, allowing him to live with the conditions imposed by nature.