Rigidez estrutural ao desenvolvimento no semi-árido nordestino

Abstract

In this article the author traces an analytical profile of socioeconomic conditions of the semi- arid northeast of Brazil with a view to highlighting its structural rigidity to the development. This understood as a process of cultural transformation which incorporates historical trend systematically promoting socioeconomic well-being of the population in a specific area or territory. The semi-arid zone represents about 58% of the regional area, 41% of the population and only 22% of gross domestic product, in addition to periodic droughts that reduce historically, in great measure, agricultural production with dramatic effects mainly on the small and medium producers. Moreover, given the high concentration of rural property and urban, semi-arid region have the worst socioeconomic indicators in the Brazilian context, thus constituting one of the main pillars of resistance to own national development. The overcoming in the medium and long run of this condition of underdevelopment requires consistent and systemic public policies, involving the three levels of government with the effective participation of civil society, and not the specific actions that generally tend to happen.