O crédito rural: as ambiguidades da modernização (uma avaliação sociopolítica e econômica).

Abstract

The present study represents an attempt to characterize the Rural Credit System in the State of Paraiba within the context of Cattle-farming and its implications in the modernization process of this State. Emphasis has been given tc: a) The characteristics of the agrarian structure, concerning the distribution, ownership, and use of land. b) Theintroduction and absorption of new production techniques in Cattle-Farming. Distribution and concentration of Rural Credit by administrative Regions and by products, taking into consideration the implications and effects of state policies. The findings reveal that agricultural production in the State of Paraiba falis short of what could be expected fromthe total credit applied. The major concentration of credit is directed to commercial products with differenciation in its distribution by administrative regions as well as by product. Furthemore, in respect to modernization i.e: in the absorotion of new technologies by small, médium and large establisbments there is no evidence that credit has diminished the difference among them. We come to the conclusion that no modernization occurred in Paraiba's Agriculture, except for sugar-cane and pineapple plantations.