Agricultura familiar: sustentabilidade e percepção dos serviços ecossistêmicos em comunidade do agreste paraibano, nordeste do Brasil

Abstract

In Brazil, family farming corresponds to 77% of agricultural establishments and supplies most of the food consumed by the population. Most of the farmers produce using unsustainable methods, which increase the production however can impact in the health of workers, of the population, and in the environment. The present study aimed to analyze the level of sustainability and perception of ecosystem services of the family farming activity developed in the Chã de Jardim Community, located in the buffer zone of the Mata do Pau Ferro State Park, in the municipality of Areia, Paraíba (Northeast of Brazil). The community's main activity is the development of family farming and rural tourism. The MESMIS indicator (social, structural and environmental dimensions) was applied, using techniques analysis (to water and soil quality), semi- structural interviews. There were interviewed 26 family farmers. The three dimensions analyzed are partially sustainable. According to the SWOT matrix, high production quality and the strengthening of family farming stand out as strengths and opportunities, and as weaknesses and threats were the low availability of water for irrigation and the lack of Technical Assistance and Rural Extension. The perception of living close to the UC shows advantages related to their well-being, such as better quality of life and disadvantages related to the lack of job opportunities, for example. Regarding ecosystem services, 100% of respondents mentioned provision services as important (water and food). Thermal comfort and air quality were mentioned by most interviewees, however, regulatory services that are fundamental to agricultural practices, such as pollination and nutrient cycling, were rarely mentioned or were not mentioned during the interview. We concluded that ecosystem services are perceived by farmers in a significant way, and can still be expanded, so that better agricultural practices and conscious management of natural resources can be adopted.