Socioeconomic, productive and environmental aspects of family farming practiced in NPA III Boa Sorte, Araguatins (TO)

Abstract

In Brazil, family agriculture is one of the major responsible for supplying the internal market with diverse products, at a lower cost, in relatively smaller spaces and, therefore, it plays a fundamental role in the performance of the Brazilian economy. In this sense, this research aimed at describing the socioeconomic and productive aspects, as well as the environmental profile of producers of the Agricultural Production Nucleus III Boa Sorte, located in the municipality of Araguatins-TO, as well as the production practices and systems carried out in this community.  The methodology developed involved descriptive and exploratory research, besides field and bibliographic research, carried out with 27 heads of households. Data collection was made through the application of a questionnaire that included objective questions about the socioeconomic and environmental profile of the producers. This study concluded that the rural producers of the Agricultural Production Nucleus III Boa Sorte carry out their activities as most Brazilian family farmers do, mainly for subsistence, but they recognize that there are possibilities for improving the productive systems and the environmental preservation practices, as long as they could count on specialized technical assistance appropriate to their needs.