A influência do programa de desenvolvimento territorial do banco do nordeste na bovinocultura de leite de Maranguape, Ceará

Abstract

The Territorial Development Program (PRODETER) of Banco do Nordeste seeks to foster local development by enhancing the competitiveness of productive activities. This study examines the program’s implementation in the municipality of Maranguape, Ceará, with particular attention to the profile of participating dairy farmers and the key factors influencing cattle farming in the region. A total of 24 farms were surveyed, and socioeconomic, productive, and managerial data were collected through structured questionnaire-based interviews. The findings indicate that most producers are small-scale farmers, predominantly men over the age of 50, for whom milk production represents a significant source of income. Nevertheless, constraints such as low educational attainment, insufficient technical assistance, and limited training opportunities were identified as major challenges. Conversely, the producers expressed a positive outlook toward the program, especially due to its provision of credit and technical support. The article draws upon the contributions of Schneider (2010) and Abramovay (2000), who discuss public policies for territorial development in Brazil.