Perfil socioeconômico dos produtores rurais cadastrados no Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE) do Município de Monteiro - PB.

Abstract

Family farmers have the National School Meals Program (PNAE) as an incentive tool for agricultural production and the strengthening of agroecology. This program seeks to reduce hunger, encouraging healthy habits, strengthening family farming within the regional economy and environmental care. The work aimed to characterize the socioeconomic profile, identifying the challenges and opportunities of family farmers in the municipality of Monteiro-PB who participate in the National School Feeding Program (PNAE). The methodology consisted of visits to the productive areas, application of a questionnaire and monitoring the delivery of products to schools. It was verified the female protagonism, by the expressive participation of women (80%). All the interviewees are literate and participate in associations and the CMDRS. Among the products supplied are beans, corn, cilantro, lettuce, chives, pumpkin, beets, sweet potatoes, and some seasonal fruits, due to seasonality. There are many challenges, such as the lack of technical assistance and guidance that is present, and the common conservation practices are crop rotation, intercropping, and organic fertilization. Although they say they are satisfied with the values added to the products, some farmers pointed out the need for a readjustment, which would reflect the appreciation of the rural worker. Due to the relevance of the theme and considering the importance of the program by them, for the strengthening of production on agro-ecological bases and for food security, it is suggested as future research, the expansion of the study in other municipalities and the evaluation of the program in the context of post-pandemic.