Assistência técnica e extensão rural: panorama das ações para a agricultura familiar em Delfim Moreira (MG)

Abstract

Family farming is one of the main pillars of sustainable rural development in Brazil, recognized for its economic, social, environmental, and cultural importance. Recognizing Technical Assistance and Rural Extension (TARE) as an essential tool for supporting family farming, this research is justified by the need to understand the challenges and potential of extension actions aimed at this population. Therefore, this research asks the question: "How do family farmers view extension actions in their family units?" The overall objective is to understand family farmers' perceptions of the influence of Technical Assistance and Rural Extension actions on family-based units in the municipality of Delfim Moreira, Minas Gerais. The research was exploratory, descriptive, and qualitative, based on bibliographic surveys, document analysis, and field research with semi-structured interviews. The study site was the municipality of Delfim Moreira, Minas Gerais, whose population is predominantly rural, composed of 1,355 family farmers. Only 18.1% of family farmers receive public extension actions. Secondary data aimed to characterize family farming in the municipality and survey the extension activities implemented, from the perspective of the institution providing these activities. This included the absolute number and percentage of family farmers served by public TARE activities; the number of other groups served; and the absolute number of services provided to these other groups. Primary data aimed to characterize the profile of family farming in the municipality, surveying the sociodemographic profile of the family farmers interviewed, their production profile, and understanding their perceptions of TARE activities on their family-based agricultural establishments. Data analysis reveals an increase in the number of family farmers starting in 2022, contrasting with a potential reduction in service coverage, from 69% to 18%. The field research revealed family farmers' recognition of the important role of TARE initiatives in their production units, even in the face of the lack of and instability of services. When integrating the analysis of secondary and primary data, significant convergence was observed, particularly regarding the gap in service coverage and the productive diversity of family farming. The study concluded that, although family farmers recognize public TARE initiatives in Delfim Moreira, Minas Gerais, they still face significant limitations in terms of coverage, continuity, and institutional structure.