Efeitos da seca prolongada para a cadeia de produção agrícola das Várzeas de Sousa-PB: um estudo com os pequenos produtores agrícolas.

Abstract

Irrigation is a viable alternative for agricultural cultivation in regions with few or irregular pluviometric indices, such as the northeastern semi-arid region in which the Irrigated Perimeter Irrigation District Várzeas de Sousa is located. It is estimated that about seventy percent of the food that comes to the tables in our homes comes from family farming. The general objective of the study was to describe the consequences of prolonged drought for the agricultural production chain of the small producers of Irrigation District Irrigated Perimeter Várzeas de Sousa. The literature review dealt with agroindustry systems, family agriculture and the issue of water scarcity. Regarding the methodology, the research was exploratory and descriptive, with technical procedures of field study and documentary, of quantitative approach. Data were collected through the use of the collection instrument with fifteen multiple choice questions and were opened and distributed in three dimensions: demographic, environmental and production indicators. It was concluded that the agricultural production of PIVAS family farmers needs specialized technical assistance that can guarantee local activity.