Agroecological and Social Transformations for Coexistence with Semi-Aridity in Brazil

Aldrin M. Pérez-Marin, Paul Rogé, Miguel A. Altieri, Luis F. Ulloa Forer, Luciano Silveira, Victor M. Oliveira and Barbara E. Domingues-Leiva
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Aldrin M. Pérez-Marin: Instituto Nacional do Semiárido (INSA), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência do Solo da Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Av. Francisco Lopes de Almeida, s/n, Serrotão, Campina Grande, Paraíba CEP 58429-970, Brazil
Paul Rogé: Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management (ESPM), University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
Miguel A. Altieri: Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management (ESPM), University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
Luis F. Ulloa Forer: Instituto Nacional do Semiárido (INSA), Project INSA-ASA, Av. Francisco Lopes de Almeida, s/n, Serrotão, Campina Grande, Paraíba CEP 58429-970, Brazil
Luciano Silveira: Articulação do Semiarido Brasileiro (ASA), Assessoria a Projeto em Agricultura Alternativa (ASPTA), Rua Nicarágua, 111, Espinheiro, Recife, Pernambuco CEP 52020-190, Brazil
Victor M. Oliveira: Instituto Nacional do Semiárido (INSA), Project INSA-ASA, Av. Francisco Lopes de Almeida, s/n, Serrotão, Campina Grande, Paraíba CEP 58429-970, Brazil
Barbara E. Domingues-Leiva: Laboratory of Agroecology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA

Sustainability, 2017, vol. 9, issue 6, 1-17

Abstract: This article explores whether a shift in development paradigm resulted in coexistence with semi-aridity for residents of the Semi-Arid region of Brazil (SAB). If so, which strategies contributed and which conditions facilitated it? We conducted a comparative analysis of the transformations that occurred in 10 territories of the SAB during two time periods: PI (1973–2001) when “development” policies almost exclusively aimed to “combat drought and its effects”; and PII (2002–2016) when a concept of coexistence with semi-aridity informed policy making. Our study from the 10 territories of the SAB show significant changes between PI and PII. On average, there was a substantial improvement in Access to Water Infrastructure (+33%∆), Diversification of Production Systems (Animals +36%∆; Crops +61%∆), Management of Common Pool Resources (+45%∆), Involvement in Spaces of Political Organizing (+24%∆), and Access to Public Programs (+29%∆). As such, “coexistence” went from concept to action as a consequence of structural, agroecological, social, and management transformations in combination with a strengthening of mechanisms for community reciprocity. These were characterized by (a) the creation of resource reserves for use during times of drought; (b) the efficient use of available natural resources; and (c) enhanced articulation between diverse actors.

Keywords: agroecology; social change; public policy; semi-arid regions; Brazil (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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