Family Farming In Brazil Research Articles

Changes in markets for lamb in livestock family farming in Brazil

The global decline in the wool market has increased the importance of sheep meat markets, inducing changes in production systems, especially among family livestock farmers. In Brazil, this situation has a significant impact on the productive dynamics within smallholdings in the South of the country. Since little is known about the current configuration of these markets following such changes, this article is aimed at mapping the marketing channels accessed by family farmers to sell lambs, to understand the dynamics that guide these transactions. To this end, 39 interviews were carried out with family livestock farmers who breed sheep in southern Brazil, and, complementarily, 34 social actors participating in different sheep meat marketing channels were interviewed. The findings show that 74.4 % of family livestock farmers sell lambs or sheep meat using as their main marketing channels informal sales to individuals (38.5%), sales through farmers' associations (33.3%), and sales through either middlemen or livestock dealers (10.2%). Findings suggest that the family farmers’ choices do not follow the mainstream logic of supply and demand, and that one of the main challenges to the operation of this market is supply regularity, overcoming seasonality of breeding. It is possible to affirm that the former strength of the wool market remains rooted in the imaginary of family livestock farmers, a reference that justifies not only the persistence of this activity, but also the reduced interest in commercializing sheep for meat. The sheep meat market that could generate satisfactory income for the family farmer, appears as a space yet to be explored. Thus, research findings may help to better define actions and priorities regarding the fostering of the sheep meat market, especially regarding programs for organizing the production chain, building a regular supply and resignifying the activity among family farmers.

Technical viability of improving soil chemical characteristics by using biofertilizers

Applying biofertilizers made from wastes from tropical forest agroextrativism to improve the fertility of acidic and nutrient-poor soils is a viable strategy for sustainable development of family farming in Brazil’s North region. In this respect, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of applying biofertilizers based on locally available organic wastes on the fertility of a Dystrophic Yellow Latosol. The experiment was carried out in the Fazendinha experimental field of the Embrapa Amapá research unit, located in the municipality of Macapá, Amapá. We used a randomized block design with split-plots in space, with five replications. The plots consisted of seven fertilizations, with a control treatment (without fertilization) and six biofertilizers based on fresh cattle manure, shoot of Cecropia sp., leaves of Gliricidia sepium or Inga edulis and leaf sheath of Euterpe oleracea or pseudostem of Musa sp.; and the subplots were the two soil depths analyzed (0 to 2.5 and 2.5 to 5 cm). The biofertilizers promoted the correction of the soil acidity, increased the contents of organic matter, P, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and raised the sum of bases, cation exchange capacity and base saturation percentage, especially in the surface layer. It was observed a reduction in the chemical limitations on the Dystrophic Yellow Latosol by applying biofertilizers based on locally available organic wastes and the increase in organic matter in the soil positively correlated with the increase in the levels of the beneficial chemical attributes of the Dystrophic Yellow Latosol.

Regional Heterogeneity of the Family Farming in Brazil: an Analysis Using a Spatial Stochastic Frontier

Family farming is quite different between Brazilian regions, where one of the main factors of this distinction is the implementation of agricultural modernization that initially benefited the regions South and Southeast, making these regions more mechanized and with a higher level of human capital. Given this fact, this article aims to measure the productive differences of family farmers between Brazilian regions using data from the 2017 Agricultural Census and applying a spatial stochastic frontier at municipal level. The results have shown that there is a high heterogeneity between Brazilian regions, where although all areas have shown a decreasing return of production scale, these returns were greater for the regions Midwest, Southeast, and South. Besides, technology and labor have a lesser effect on the gross income of farmers in the Northeast. The results also show that spillovers were different between regions, both for the factors of production and for the determinants of inefficiency. Furthermore, the heterogeneity can be confirmed by the efficiency scores, which were higher in the regions South, Midwest, and Mid-South regions of the Southeast. The results also suggest that, according to the profile of each region, it is necessary to implement more efficient policies that aim to improve the effectiveness of existing policies and mitigate the differences between them, especially in the North and Northeast of Brazil.

Metals in Brazilian family farming grapes and estimated daily intake

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine concentrations of metals in peel, pulp, and seeds of grapes obtained from family farms in Brazil, compare them to the maximum threshold levels and to evaluate the risk by estimating the daily intake (EDI). Grape samples were collected from farms and levels of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were assessed via ICP-MS. The highest metal levels were found in grape peels, Cu at the highest concentration (107.6 mg kg−1). Cr, Cu, and Pb were found at concentrations which exceeded maximum threshold levels. The EDI of Cd, Cu and Pb through consumption of grapes for the assessed Brazilian population was 0.29, 1822 and 3.02 µg/kg bw/day, respectively. The EDI of Cu was above the Provisionary Tolerable Daily Intake (PTDI). Thus, there are possible health risks due to the occurrence of Cu in Brazilian grapes.

Reinvenção dos mercados da agricultura familiar no Brasil: a novidade dos sites e plataformas digitais de comercialização em tempos de Covid-19

The objective of this article is to analyze the process of reinvention of the markets for Brazilian family farming during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially the (re)connections from websites and digital platforms for marketing food and products with urban consumers. To this end, an extensive survey of information was carried out with 38 initiatives distributed geographically in all regions of the country. The work shows that the new digital marketing channels of family farming in Brazil are strongly based on collective organizations, aim to build short local and regional chains and supply the population with fresh, agro-industrialized and ecological food with varying attributes of qualification.

Closed-loop organic waste management systems for family farmers in Brazil

ABSTRACT Family farmers in Brazil could diversify their sources of income and improve agriculture practices by adopting circular economy principles on their farms. Closed-loop technological systems can be used to manage organic waste and produce fertiliser and biogas thereby generating revenue. Anaerobic Digestion (AD) is a proven technology that can produce digestate (i.e. fertiliser) and biogas from organic waste, although digestate application in soil and crops without treatment can have adverse effects. However, in practice, there is a lack of knowledge about the benefits of recycling organic waste in farming communities in Brazil. Therefore, the main aim of this paper is to provide conceptual design configurations of closed-loop systems that manage organic waste and generate revenue for small farms in Brazil. A literature review of selected technologies and interviews with Brazilian family farmers were used to inform the components of the proposed conceptual designs. The proposed designs are based on circular economy principles, incorporating AD, pyrolysis for biochar, hydroponics and vermifiltration in various configurations. A complete closed-loop system consisting of a 7.5 m3 digester, pyrolysis unit, a combined hydroponic and vermifilter unit and a shredder is estimated to cost around USD$1600 (R$ 6600). The flexibility of the proposed systems has the potential to increase resilience and income for small-scale farmers, whilst encouraging good practices for waste management. The conceptual designs can be used as a basis for further research and development of small-scale organic waste management solutions in Brazil.

Crédito Rural e Agricultura Familiar no Brasil: uma avaliação do Programa Nacional de Fortalecimento da Agricultura Familiar

Este estudo tem como objetivo principal apresentar e discutir os impactos do Programa Nacional de Fortalecimento da Agricultura Familiar (Pronaf) sobre a renda e a produtividade na agricultura familiar brasileira. Para alcançar o objetivo proposto, foram utilizados dados da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios (PNAD) do ano de 2014 e empregou-se como método de análise o Propensity Score Matching (PSM). Observou-se que o programa apresenta efeito médio positivo de 10,9% sobre a renda dos seus beneficiários em relação aos não beneficiários. Quanto ao efeito do Pronaf sobre a produtividade agropecuária, os beneficiários do Pronaf apresentam em média uma produtividade 15,2% maior em comparação aos não beneficiários.

2nd Water Cisterns: Social technologies promoting adaptive capacity to Brazilian family farmers

Brazil is the tropical region of the world that heated up the most during 1901-2012. Over the years, in face of the constant shocks related to the drought periods in the Brazilian semiarid region, the governments have leaned on two distinct policy responses - to fight against drought and cope with drought, the latter mainly characterized by the expansion of social technologies related to rainwater harvesting. Among those, the water reservoir called “cistern” has been changing small farmers’ lives since the early 1990s, when the discussion about “Coexistence with the Semiarid” started by the Brazilian civil society. This research focuses on the Cisterns Program, more specifically to the 2nd Water Cisterns, a social technology that aims to improve productive capacity and reinforce food security of beneficiaries. The research goals are: 1) To present the main impacts of the 2nd water cisterns in three semiarid states: Pernambuco, Bahia and Ceará and 2) To discuss the impacts of cisterns in the promotion of adaptive capacity through social learning. The conceptual theory is based on social learning and adaptive capacity, and it is argued that farmers acquire extensive knowledge about coexistence with the semiarid, which will possibly benefit them in a climate change scenario. The assessment is based on document analysis, fieldwork and open/semi-structured interviews, 39 households and five rural technical assistance workers responsible to implement the cisterns were interviewed. The findings suggest the positive impacts of 2nd water cisterns extend beyond water infrastructure, with relevance for food security and adaptive capacity through social learning activities as farmers presented an increased confidence in their own knowledge and capabilities as a result of the cisterns implementation process.

Ergonomic and Biomechanical Analysis of the Manioc Root Harvest: Case Report

The aim of this case report was to evaluate the risks of musculoskeletal injuries from manual extraction of manioc roots in a Brazilian family farming production. It was used a lumbar extension isometric dynamometry, electromyography and infrared thermography of the surface at the back of the worker and the whole collection of data was made in loco. The results showed an increased temperature on the surface of the left lower back (+0.6 ℃), the values of isometric strength upon lumbar extension (143 ± 2.66 Kgf) and electromyography alteration in the muscles. The questionnaires indicate that the individual complains of discomfort along all of the back of his torso. The activity of manioc manual extraction can generate an overload on the lumbar and shoulder girdle muscles. It can affect the individual productive state.

Occupational exposure to pesticides and health symptoms among family farmers in Brazil.

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE:To explore the association of occupational pesticide exposure with acute and mental health symptoms.METHODS:Cross-sectional survey carried out with 78 Brazilian family farmers, who were pesticide applicators and helpers conveniently selected. Symptoms and exposure data were collected by interviews, and mental health outcomes by the Self-Reporting Questionnaire. Blood samples were analyzed to assess cholinesterase levels. Exposure indicators and symptoms were compared between applicators and helpers, and Poisson regression was performed to estimate prevalence ratios.RESULTS:Farmers reported exposure to multiple pesticides from early ages; they worked without safety training, technical support, and full protective equipment, and they had a high prevalence of acute and mental health symptoms (e.g., headache, mucosal irritation, tachycardia, and depressive signs). Applicators had more cholinesterase changes than helpers, but less symptoms. Helpers used less personal protection and had significantly higher prevalence ratio of headache, dyspnea, wheezing, cough, poor digestion, tiredness, and feeling worthless, after adjustment.CONCLUSIONS:Acute and mental health symptoms were observed, both among farmers and helpers. Thus, surveillance actions must be reinforced in Brazil, technical support and safety training improved, focused on applicators and helpers, who are occupationally and environmentally exposed to pesticides. Agricultural practices of these groups with less pesticide use should receive incentive.

Development pathways for family farmers: Lessons from Brazil on the need for targeted structural reforms as a means to address regional heterogeneity

Identifying development pathways for family farmers is one of the main on-going global efforts toward rural development. Promising development pathways are assessed for Brazil as a case study based on official data from the national agricultural census. The results revealed that modernization is the most consolidated development approach, which promotes farmers’ integration into global agribusiness value chains and gave rise to the first generation of agricultural policies based on subsidized credit. Census data show that the modernization approach directly supports around 10% of Brazilian family farmers, particularly in the South of the country. More recently, efforts have been made to promote a new rural development paradigm through short food supply chains, which gave rise to another generation of agricultural policies based on governmental procurements. It is estimated that this approach may provide a development alternative for about 10% of the Brazilian family farmers who are closer to consumer markets. As a result, around 80% of family farmers in the country remain unreached by the current development approaches. These are farmers facing structural constraints such as insufficient land to produce (mainly in the Northeast region) or lack of land tenure rights (mainly in the North region). There is an urgent need for land reform as well as a new generation of agricultural policies targeting local potentials as a way of addressing regional heterogeneity in Brazil and elsewhere.

Sustainable Development in Agriculture and its Antecedents, Barriers and Consequences – An Exploratory Study

This study aims to understand Brazilian family farmers’ perception of sustainable development in agriculture, its antecedents, barriers and consequences. To do so, qualitative, exploratory research was adopted, interviewing 23 farmers. For data collection, an interview script was elaborated followed by content analysis. The results showed that farmers perceived sustainable development in agriculture from 25 definitions. The study identified 19 antecedents of sustainability in agriculture; 20 barriers hindering sustainable development in agriculture; and 14 consequences of more sustainable agriculture. This research contributes to in-depth reflection about the meaning of sustainable development in agriculture, associated with its antecedents, barriers and consequences for agriculture. The results reinforce that conceptualizing and understanding what sustainable development is, is a process and this concept can vary from one context to another. This study aimed specifically to examine Brazilian family farming from the perspective of sustainability.

Women’s exposure to pesticides in a cohort of Brazilian smallholder family farmers

Women living in rural areas are at higher risk of pesticide exposure, especially when involved in agricultural tasks. Objective: To discuss women’s exposure to pesticides among a cohort of Brazilian farmers. Methods: A cross-sectional study investigated pesticide exposure and health effects of family farmers from Rio de Janeiro State, providing relevant data to discuss women’s potential exposure. Results: The assessed female farmers (n=37) had a mean age of 45y, and 57% were at bearing age (18-45y), which is an important risk for reproductive, gestational, and endocrine problems. They were mother of 21 children aged <10y and 22 from 11-18y, who are often taken to planting areas from very early ages. Female farmers were exposed to mixtures of multiple pesticides (31 classes including organophosphates, carbamates and pyrethroids) for 23y on average, and none of them had ever received occupational training. While men were mostly involved in pesticide manipulation and spraying, women daily performed other tasks without recommended personal protection. Most women lived close to cultivation sites with pesticide use (85% <1km), reported residential exposure (95%), storage of chemicals at home or nearby, and cleaning work-contaminated clothes and equipment, and that are additional sources of exposure for them. As a consequence, a high prevalence of poisoning (e.g. headache, tingling, cramps, dyspnea and cough) and mental health (e.g. depression and anxiety) symptoms were reported. Conclusion: The female farmers investigated are at higher risk of being exposed to pesticides throughout multiple pathways, which may have harmful impacts on their health and offspring. Technical support must be improved to smallholder family farmers in Brazil and risk mitigation strategies adopted to minimize women’s exposure to pesticides in order to protect their health and families.

Measuring sustainable development, its antecedents, barriers and consequences in agriculture: An exploratory factor analysis

This research aims to identify the factors measuring sustainable development in agriculture, its antecedents, barriers and consequences. To do so, first a literature review and qualitative research (involving 23 interviews) led to developing a questionnaire, which was then validated. Next, quantitative research involved collecting data from 220 family farmers in Brazil, and exploratory factor analysis was performed. This made it possible to understand how Brazilian family farmers perceived sustainable development in agriculture. This can be measured by 25 variables and 3 factors: natural agriculture; innovation and technology; and environmental aspects. The antecedents (predictors) of sustainable development in agriculture were grouped in 5 factors: external influencers; engagement with sustainability; concern about future generations; environmental motivators; and individual characteristics. Two factors (lack of information and knowledge; and lack of planning and support), defined the barriers to sustainable development in agriculture. Socio-environmental benefits and subjective well-being were the two factors measuring the consequences of that development. This article contributes to identifying the factors underlying sustainable development in agriculture, the antecedents, barriers and consequences of that sustainability, something as yet not identified in the literature on this subject, which indicates the innovation and originality of the study.

A Model of Intensification of Dairy Production as an Alternative for the Modernization of Family Farming in the Tropics

Dairy farming is an activity of great socioeconomic relevance for family farming in Brazil, but is still characterized by low productivity, low technology employed, and low remuneration. The objective of this article is to verify how the indicators of technological intensification were aligned with gains in productivity indicators based on an irrigated grazing system under intermittent stocking, in a typical family farm in the south region of the Espírito Santo state. The farm from which data were collected was conveniently selected for having been monitored for 42 months, a period when the technological transition in a production model was occurred. The intermittent stocking management in the irrigated tropical pasture, in a module of 0.86 ha of Mombaça grass, has led to an increase in animal productivity (from 16 to 23 animal units per hectare), labor (96 liters of milk per family farming labor per day), and land indicators (from 219 to 349 liters of milk per hectare per day), but the increase in the scale of production is a limiting factor for competitiveness in the present case study. The proposed intensification model can become a feasible option for the modernization of dairy farming in tropics.

The unequal allocation of PRONAF resources: which factors determine the intensity of the program across Brazil?

Abstract The family farming sector in Brazil is an important player in the country’s economy, especially in poor rural areas., The government has created the National Program for Strengthening Family Agriculture (PRONAF) to stimulate the development of family farming in Brazil. It a credit program that offers loans at a subsidized interest rate. Previous studies have shown that wealthier farmers and more developed regions have more access to subsidized credit. Due to this apparently unequal allocation of PRONAF resources, the study aims to analyze, through econometric regressions and interviews with specialists, the underlying determinants for the unequal credit allocation across the municipalities in Brazil. Results indicate that wealth and knowledge of farmers are significant determinants of loan size, whereas municipalities that represent a high risk have received significantly fewer resources from PRONAF per household head. Thereby, we can conclude that PRONAF’s operations are not fulfilling their pro-poor objectives of targeting poor farmers and municipalities. Progress in infrastructure and institutions to reduce risks, enhancement of farmers’ qualifications and organization, better access to markets and agroindustry, and improvements in rural extension services are found to be essential to increasing the access to PRONAF’s credit.

Can credit help small family farming? Evidence from Brazil

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of a Brazilian rural credit program, The National Program for Strengthening Family Farming (PRONAF), on small family farming production. Design/methodology/approach The method is based on a quasi-experimental approach (propensity score matching) applied to 4.1m family farmers in Brazil. Findings Results show that farmers accessing PRONAF tended to be positively selected in terms of several observable characteristics, such as land size and agricultural practices. Moreover, PRONAF had positive and differentiated impacts on agricultural production. The impact was larger in the poorest region when compared to the regions characterized by intensive and commercial farming. Research limitations/implications The rural credit information was restricted to one crop year, making impossible to analyze the mid- and long-term impacts of the credit program on agricultural production. Practical implications The study provides some practical implications for policies of rural development. First, rural credit does matter for agricultural production of small family farmers. Nonetheless, since credit programs are large subsidized by the rest of the population, further studies are still needed the aggregate costs and benefits of these schemes. Results also revealed that PRONAF may have contributed to reduce regional inequalities, since the impact was larger in the poorest NE region. Originality/value This study provides a comprehensive analysis of how rural credit has impacted small-farm agricultural production, using large and representative data – the whole population of Brazilian family farmers.

Nutritional quality and functional lipids in the free-range egg yolks of Brazilian family farmers

Nutritional quality and functional lipids in the free-range egg yolks of Brazilian family farmers

Environmental performance of agroforestry systems in the Cerrado biome, Brazil

Abstract Agriculture and land use practices must be significantly improved to satisfy the needs of future generations without placing further pressure on global ecosystems. Agroforestry systems (AFS) have been quoted as one of the best options to mitigate environmental impacts and at the same time, improve smallholders’ livelihoods in agricultural areas. However, studies investigating the environmental aspects and yield of agroforestry systems in rural settlements, established by governmental initiatives, are still uncommon in the literature. Therefore, the goal of this paper was to assess the contribution of five biodiverse AFS, located in the Cerrado biome, to global warming mitigation and the provision of ecosystem services to smallholder farmers. Additionally, the importance of agroforestry projects to family farms in Brazil was discussed. Relying on data from forestry inventory and in-depth interviews with farmers, the crop yield (including fruit) was estimated; and the life cycle assessment method was used to determine the Global Warming Potential (GWP), accounting for all emissions to establish and manage the AFS up until the date of analysis. The results show the significant capacity of AFS sequester carbon, represented by the negative values of GWP, ranging from (−263) to (−496) t CO2 equivalents per hectare. Each farmer adopted different tree and crop species at the AFS establishment what influenced yields and GWP. The high number of fruit trees contributed positively to the AFS outputs, allowing farmers to consume and sell a large variety of products. Furthermore, the households also benefit from microclimate and aesthetic benefits provided by the AFSs. Future agroforestry projects in rural settlements can contribute significantly to improve household livelihoods, as well as environmental protection. However, efforts should be taken to provide farmers with sound knowledge, financial support, and access to markets to thrive.

English

The aim of this article is to characterize the current situation of family farmers or smallholders in Brazil and establish a connection with the rural public policies that exist in the country. This study analyzed the most current available data regarding family farming in Brazil, which included almost 4.7 million smallholders and their characteristics. Two analytical tools for unsupervised learning were combined, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and K-means clustering, which enabled the analysis of such a large database and the extraction of information concerning this sector. It was found that cooperative smallholders are considerably more likely to achieve higher incomes. A family farmer’s income and productivity are related to their region and are higher in the South and Southeast and lower in the Northeast region. Crop diversification presented a negative impact on family farming activity, although this practice is considered highly important for agricultural sustainability. These results confirm, based on the data, empirical findings regarding the sector and also reveal new information such as the negative impact that rural assistance services are demonstrated to have on smallholders’ income. Therefore, this study provides essential information to support policy makers in the process of formulating better and more efficient policies in order to strengthen smallholders in Brazil and guarantee food security in the future. Key words: Family farm, rural programs, unsupervised learning, government support. &nbsp