FAMILY AGRICULTURE AND SOCIAL REPRODUCTION: STRATEGIES OF THE SETTLEMENTS OF SANTANA DO LIVRAMENTO / RS

Abstract

Family farming, diverse and heterogeneous, has historically developed a series of strategies to reproduce socially and economically. The present study sought to analyze the social reproduction strategies used by settled family farming in Santana do Livramento / RS. Methodologically the research is characterized as qualitative, carried out using the case study method. The research techniques used were: bibliographic and documentary research, semi-structured interview and non-participant observation. Eleven family farmers from three different rural settlements in the municipality were interviewed. Data analysis was performed using the content analysis technique. As main results, it is highlighted that the social reproduction strategies adopted by farmers are diversified, but do not differ between settlements. In adopting the strategies, farmers take into account the needs of the family, the area of ​​land, location of the lot, access to public policies and their life experiences. Despite the existence of 30 rural settlements in the municipality, the settlers face difficulties to remain in the rural environment, demanding that the State assume its role of driving rural development.