THE NATIONAL PROGRAM FOR STRENGTHENING FAMILY AGRICULTURE IN BRAZIL: ANALYSIS OF EVOLUTION AND CONCENTRATION BETWEEN 1999 AND 2017

Abstract

The Brazilian State legitimated late family farming as a social category, simultaneously with the constitution of the National Program for Strengthening Family Agriculture (PRONAF) in the mid-1990s. Since its inception, PRONAF has passing transformations aimed at credit and the target audience. The present study intends to analyze the evolution and distribution of the resources of the National Program for Strengthening Family Farming between the Brazilian regions from 1999 to 2017. Specifically, it was sought: a) present the program; b) identify the value of resources distributed among the Brazilian regions; and c) highlighting the main obstacles and challenges of the program. Methodologically the research is classified as qualitative, from the deductive method. Secondary data were sought from the Central Bank of Brazil (BCB). Bibliographic research was also used. The main results highlight the inequality and concentration in the distribution of credit, which was grouped in the Southern Region between 1999 and 2002. Between 2003 and 2006 resources were better distributed and the South Region decreased its participation with increased participation of the Northeast, Southeast and North regions. Since 2007, resources have been re-concentrated in the Southern Region. The program has again promoted modern agriculture, being accessed basically by commodity producers in capitalized regions. PRONAF limitations include selectivity in favor of capitalized farmers, commodity producers, regional concentration of credit and low access to more impoverished households.