Sustentabilidade agrícola do cultivo de acerola na região do Vale do Jaguaribe-CE

Abstract

Organic agriculture represents a counterpoint to the conventional model and the process of modernizing agriculture and its socioeconomic and environmental impacts. This research is anchored in the understanding of agricultural sustainability as a set of strategies for a system capable of continuing in the long term. The general objective is to analyze the sustainability of organic acerola cultivation in the Vale do Jaguaribe – CE region. As specific objectives, it seeks to study the socioeconomic characteristics of organic and conventional acerola producers; analyze the sustainability of organic acerola cultivation; verify the impact of the agroecological transition on the production, productivity and annual income of cooperative members; study the organic and conventional acerola production chain. To this end, primary data collected from interviews based on semi-structured questionnaires applied to acerola producers in organic and conventional systems, all located in that region, are used. The questionnaires are divided into three axes: the first deals with the characteristics of the producer, the second with natural resource management and the third with property management. The data collected in the field (related variables and indicators), as well as bibliographical research, enabled the perception of a high-level Environmental Management Index (IGA) for organic producers and a medium-level one for conventional producers, demonstrating a greater degree of sustainability for organic producers. However, the Quality of Life Index (IQV) was high for both groups, influenced by housing conditions and water availability. It is recommended that further studies be carried out so that they can support the development of public policies that will strengthen all links in the production chain and ensure that the needs of the population are met in a sustainable and equitable manner.