Agricultura familiar em Itaueira-PI: aspectos socioeconômicos da produção de milho

Abstract

Family farming is present throughout Brazil and encompasses significant cultural, social, and economic diversity, making it essential for supplying the domestic market. Traditional crops, such as corn, produced by family farmers are essential for both human and animal consumption. Corn, due to its versatility and adaptability across Brazil's diverse regions, has become one of the most important agricultural products. Based on this context, this research aims to identify the socioeconomic aspects of corn production in family farming in the municipality of Itaueira, Piauí. Methodologically, the research adopts a qualitative, case study approach. Fieldwork was conducted over two days in March 2024 and involved the participation of 40 family farmers in the Machado Community, a rural area of the municipality under study. The corpus was organized through on-site observation, including photographic records of how farmers manage the land with plows and of some crops in various stages of corn development. A structured questionnaire with six open-ended and five closed-ended questions was administered. The results showed that corn is one of the main crops produced by the family farmers surveyed, generating income through sales in the local market. However, despite the importance of corn production, municipal agencies still fail to invest in alternative cultivation technologies or in creating suitable marketing spaces, such as an agroecological fair, which could facilitate the sale of family farm products. The conclusion is that family farming focused on corn cultivation in Itaueira, Piauí, faces structural and institutional support limitations. Investment in public policies that strengthen this production and encourage the cultivation of other traditional crops, such as beans, is essential