A comparative analysis between Pronaf and Pronaf Agroecologia from 2015 to 2021

Abstract

The development of agricultural and livestock production has a significant influence on the environment, which can result in adverse and unsustainable impacts. Faced with the growing call for environmental awareness, individuals are looking for alternatives that allow them to achieve productive results without harming the ecosystem. In this context, agroecology emerges as an alternative, promoting the production of sustainable items. In Brazil, in support of this approach, Pronaf Agroecologia was established, a credit line aimed at members of rural families, aiming to encourage the adoption of agroecological practices. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze the dynamics of Pronaf Agroecologia in the socioenvironmental context, comparing it with Pronaf in its entirety. For this, a descriptive and exploratory data analysis was used covering the period from 2015 to 2021. The results revealed limited support for the agroecological segment, even though there is growing social demand for products of this nature. The lack of means for financing and industrialization was highlighted as a limitation, hindering the differentiation of rural products and the expansion of financial income from family farming. Thus, it was concluded that associations, cooperativism and certifications can be alternatives to boost agroecological culture, as well as dissemination policies that bring knowledge to farmers about the existence of the agroecological subprogram.