STATE REFORM, INSTITUTIONAL MODERNIZATION AND AGRARIAN QUESTION:OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE DECENTRALIZATION PROCESS OF THE RURAL SETTLEMENT POLICY

Abstract

This paper takes into account the recent study by Barros & Ferreira (1997) in respect to the Brazilian federal government decentralization program for rural settlement policy. Initially, issues of political and institutional context of this program are considered, with relevance to their limitations and perspectives. A historical overview of the government offices for land management, its policies and the administrative reform in process (State reform), are also given. In a second approach the notion of decentralization is analyzed in their meanings and dimensions. Several regional agrarian policies are called to mind in order to show different ways of conducting this complex matter. Finally, the relationship between State and civil society is reviewed regarding aspects concerned on creation of non State public spaces.