PAIS – program for an integrated and sustainable agroecological production: strategy for generating income, food, and nutritional security in family farming production system

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of the integrated sustainable agroecological production program (PAIS - Produção Agroecológica Integrada e Sustentável), as a social technology to promote the improvement of food quality, as well as the evolution of income, and the adoption of agroecological practices for the participating families. The study was carried out in the states of Rio de Janeiro (RJ) and Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), Brazil, and it was divided into three stages: the first one consisted of interviews by 17 technicians with direct action together with the farmers; the second one consisted of visits to 13 production units and interviews with the farmers; and, the third one consisted of visits to the sectors of the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae – Serviço Brasileiro de Apoio a Micro e Pequenas Empresas) that participated in the management of the PAIS Program. The work showed that the families of farmers benefited by the Program had their food quality improved by way of production diversification, and usage elimination of chemical products. The increase of income was promoted by the commercialization of excess production and conquering of new markets, notably for 46.3% of farmers who obtained the organic seal. The PAIS social technology contributes to the emancipation of farming families, from the social appropriation of the principles and practices of agroecology.