Gestão das águas no semiárido brasileiro: o caso do assentamento rural Che Guevara em Ocara, Ceará

Abstract

Water is imperative for human existence and its interests. The knowledge about water, including its occurrence, use and management are pillars for a sustainable education and practice. One must observe the real physical and social conditions, especially in areas such as the Brazilian semi-arid region, where water is placed as the main obstacle to a real socioeconomic development. The investigation of life in the semi-arid society, based on social studies and the action of social movements, has proved to be relevant. In recent years, it has led to the realization of public policies capable of mitigating the water-scarcity problem, using social technologies. However, it is fundamental to build new mechanisms and strategies using the knowledge and perception of those who live in the area and, therefore, deal with its reality and with water difficulties. The aim of this work was to characterize water management in the everyday dynamics of farmers' families in the Che Guevara rural settlement in Ocara, in the semi-arid region of Ceará, Brazil, encompassing the use of surface and groundwater, with emphasis on hydrogeological and socioeconomic characteristics. The methodology used on-site visits, semi-structured interviews and conversations with settled families. As a result, the dynamics of coexistence with the semi-arid region was evidenced by using different water sources, such as cisterns, dams and wells, as well as the diversity of water use. In addition, hydrogeological characteristics and socioeconomic and sanitary aspects related to the exploration of groundwater were also raised, highlighting the quality of the water produced by the desalination system and the cisterns.