A agricultura familiar no município de Caucaia-CE: análise a partir dos censos agropecuários de 2006 e 2017

Abstract

Family farming emerges as a key factor in food supply and in society's interaction with nature, whether for producing food for the farmer’s own household or for commercialization. This article presents the results of a study on family farming in the municipality of Caucaia-CE, based on data collected from agricultural establishments classified under this category. The analysis comes from the systematization of information of the 2006 and 2017 Agricultural Censuses (Censos Agropecuários), trying to understand the profile of family farmers, investigate the main types of crops produced in the sector, and evaluate the challenges faced throughout different stages of production, with an emphasis on the technical guidance received. The results indicate that family-based agriculture is present in 61% of the municipality’s agricultural establishments, despite a significant reduction during the analyzed period in the total number of establishments. The indicators present a decline in the participation of younger farmers and the permanence of older ones. Furthermore, this study discusses the role of the main assistance agents for family farmers in the municipality, the Secretaria de Desenvolvimento Rural (SDR) and the Sindicato dos Trabalhadores Rurais Caucaia (STTR-Caucaia), listing their actions and the reach of these.