Dinâmica produtiva e organizacional da Coopafesp: um estudo sobre cooperativismo agrícola no Ceará

Abstract

Cooperatives represent collective organizations aimed at promoting the economic and social integration of their members, strengthening family farming, and fostering sustainable local development. In this context, the present study analyzes the socioeconomic and environmental dynamics of the Cooperativa da Agricultura Familiar e Economia Solidária do Estado do Ceará (COOPAFESP), located in Pindoretama, and its contribution to sustainable rural development. The study aims to understand how the cooperative strengthens income, expands market access, and promotes productive sustainability for its members, integrating economic, social, and environmental dimensions. To this end, a mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, and the study is characterized as an exploratory and descriptive case study. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews with managers and cooperative members, document analysis, georeferencing of production areas, and direct observation of productive practices. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, while quantitative data were treated with descriptive statistics, allowing the identification of patterns and relationships between socioeconomic and productive variables. The results show that COOPAFESP collectively organizes production, diversifies family farming products, strengthens market insertion at the regional level, and encourages agroecological and solidarity-based practices. Despite challenges related to management, infrastructure, and dependence on external partnerships, the cooperative’s experience highlights its potential as a model of sustainable rural development, serving as a reference for public policies and solidarity economy initiatives in Ceará.