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FARMING SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT IN CHANGING ENVIRONMENT: EXPERIENCE FROM RESETTLED HOUSEHOLDS, SOUTHERN BRAZIL
Abstract
Barra do Imigrante community is one of the new resettlements established upon construction of the Barra Grande hydroelectric dam in the central part of the Santa Catarina state. Nevertheless, governmental attempts targeted on networking of sustainable energy supplies with infrastructure development are in contradiction with wellbeing of small family farms and bring significant socio-economic changes to producers' livelihoods. Using the sustainable livelihoods concept, this study analyzes the ability of households to adapt to the changing environment from both, household assetsВґ availability and vulnerability to external structures. Results of field survey and in-depth interviews indicate that basic needs such as shelter, water and electricity supply were improved after resettlement. Contrary, production of cash crops is based on principles of contract farming and is highly subsidized. Not appropriate production techniques and vast use of agro-toxins were observed as major causes of harvest losses. Low purchasing price is making the promissory dairy production ineffective. Moreover, farmers' food spending creates significant part of household expenditures. Based on these results we suggest creation of sustainable locally-based agri-business aimed to diversify production, promote agro-tourism in the region and thus strengthen community resilience.
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