Agricultura familiar em Aquiraz: produção, espaço e desafios na região metropolitana de Fortaleza

Abstract

This article analyzes the agricultural dynamics of the municipality of Aquiraz, located in the Metropolitan Region of Fortaleza (RMF), with a focus on family farming. The objective is to investigate how this activity is established in a metropolitan context, considering its regional particularities. To this end, a qualiquantitative methodology is used, based on data from the Agricultural Censuses of 2006 and 2017, as well as semi-structured interviews with farmers and representatives of the municipal agriculture department. The main results show an increase in the number of agricultural establishments and an almost homogeneous spatial distribution within the municipality, with a notable increase in the groups of areas between 0 and 10 ha. Family farming has grown in production and generated value, particularly in the cultivation of vegetables, fruits, and extractive activities. However, the interviews highlight common challenges of a metropolitan region, such as infrastructure and marketing difficulties. It is concluded that family farming in Aquiraz is resilient but requires greater support from public policies, especially to envision a promising scenario given its current potential