MULTIFUNCTIONALITY OF AGRICULTURE: A BRAZILIAN PERSPECTIVE/ Multifuncionalidade da agricultura: uma perspectiva brasileira/ Multifuncionalidad de la agricultura: una perspectiva brasileña

Tarita Schnitman

doi:10.47946/rnera.v0i51.6654

Abstract

Earlier international studies on multifunctional agriculture question rural development and show a new direction to rural areas. This approach is conceptualised as a counter to larger industrial agriculture and integrates social, economic, environmental preservation, productive and cultural values to sustain farming communities among traditional farmers. Brazilian researchers have previously argued for a four-pillar model of rural development to be incorporated to the concept of multifunctional agriculture. This paper presents a framework to investigate this theoretical approach. It presents a Brazilian case study among the Quilombola community of Mandira-Brazil and how it fulfils the four-pillar model. Results show exemplary protection of their cultural and biophysical territory and recognition of their traditional ways by the State, the ability to sustain livelihoods over time, but keeping the youth engaged is a challenge. The case study reveals unique Brazilian lenses towards the approach.

Highlights

A less industrial production system can enhance a more integrated approach to landscape management
The results are an analysis of the thematic framework ellaborated which tested the theoretical approach of multifunctionality of agriculture discussed by Maluf and Carneiro
Mandira case study demonstrates multifunctional agriculture as part of their daily livelihood repertoire and provides the impetus and diversified income which keeps them in the rural area

Summary

Introduction

A less industrial production system can enhance a more integrated approach to landscape management. Various terms identify the multifunctional importance of agriculture, such as: multifunctional agriculture, multifunctional agricultural systems, multifunctional landscapes, multifunctionality of agriculture and multifunctionality of agroecosystems. Much of international literature on multifunctional agriculture focuses on agri-environmental payment schemes. In the Netherlands and Germany for example, multifunctional landscape policies were directed to conservation of biodiversity through protection of agricultural landscapes on small-scale family farms (BEILIN ET AL, 2012). This is the case in Spain as well (REIG, 2005).

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