Caracterização socioeconômica de produtores de leite de Belém do Brejo Cruz - PB.

Abstract

Playing a fundamental role in the Brazilian livestock sector, the dairy activity contributes to reducing the rural exodus, fixing the man to the countryside, generating income for families. This work aims to carry out analyzes and later socioeconomic, institutional and environmental characterization of properties and milk producers in the municipality of Belém do Brejo do Cruz in the state of Paraíba. For this, an interview with a structured script was carried out during December 2021 and January 2022, with questions about the social and economic profile of the producers, in addition to technological and environmental aspects of 22 properties. The collected data were organized in spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel®, after which descriptive analysis was performed. It is concluded that the activity is performed mostly by men, with a low level of education. The main ways of disseminating knowledge in the activity are through neighbors or relatives. It was also observed worrying factors where most do not disinfect the cows' teats before milking, which can cause milk contamination. Pastures are insufficient to feed animals during the dry period. The disposal of packaging of products used in livestock is not carried out correctly. Despite all the difficulties faced, such as the lack of public policies and technical assistance, most producers were satisfied with the dairy activity.