Desenvolvimento rural no Ceará: Uma análise a partir das características dos estabelecimentos agropecuários

Abstract

The objective of the study was to describe rural development in Ceará from the characteristics of agricultural establishments. For that, secondary data extracted from the Agricultural Census published by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, year 2017, referring to the 184 municipalities of Ceará organized in the six intermediate regions of the state were used. The characteristics selected for analysis were represented by a set of indicators distributed in the following dimensions: adoption of technologies in the production process, care for the environment, access to infrastructure, generation of employment and income, institutional support received from public authorities and social capital in agricultural establishments. As analysis methods, frequency distribution tables, dispersion measures and graphs were used. The main results showed that the agricultural establishments located in the municipalities of Ceará have limitations in all dimensions of the concept. A low level of technology adoption was observed, sustainable agricultural practices are implemented in few establishments, and internet access is also low. Considering the economic aspects of development, the rural environment of Ceará is characterized by a low capacity to generate employment and income. In this context, the lack of institutional support described in the small scope of programs aimed at the rural population was also observed. Finally, it was verified that there are few properties linked to associations and cooperatives or that receive technical assistance. It is concluded that the agricultural establishments in Ceará are in a fragile condition regarding rural development. Low levels of technological adoption, combined with poor levels of education and low social capital, inhibit the productivity of agricultural and nonagricultural activities, and encourage unsustainable production management practices that degrade natural resources and biodiversity. In this context, the ability to generate employment and income is compromised and the quality of life of the population, including access to basic services such as health, transportation, and education, is reduced. As an aggravating factor, there is no support from the State.