Gestão de crédito na agricultura familiar: um estudo multicasos no município de Águas de Chapecó

Abstract

Family agriculture is very present in the State of Santa Catarina, especially in the western region of the state. Organizations, as well as small properties, need good management to generate positive results and to be able to continue the activities carried out on the property. Therefore, this paper aims to analyze how the rural credit management by the family farmers of the municipality of Aguas de Chapecó occurs. The present study is classified as descriptive and qualitative approach. The research strategy used was multiple cases. We interviewed ten farmers, owners of small properties, all with active DAP, thus classified, in the Pronaf credit. Of the ten interviewees, five were chosen in a stable financial situation, and five were in debt, in order to make a comparison and understand the reasons why some are better off than others. The technique of data collection used was the semi-structured interview. The data analysis method was content analysis. The results of the study showed that in the municipality of Águas de Chapecó, practically all farmers are classified as small properties and are beneficiaries of Pronaf. The ten respondents said that rural credit was crucial in the development of property. They even stated that if they had not had access to Pronaf's credit, they would probably not have the structure they have today. With regard to property management, much has to evolve. All farmers interviewed are aware of the importance of recording the information so that control of revenues and expenditures can be made, but in practice they do not. It is concluded that the fact that some farmers are better off financially than others does not necessarily mean that they have a good control of their activities and plan effectively. The difference is more related to experience and knowledge in the activity in which they act. In relation to those in the most critical situation, the main reason that led to this situation is the demands of the partner agroindustries, which causes high values to be invested in the property, without guarantee of higher incomes. Finally, it was noticed with the study that despite all the difficulties experienced by the family farmers of Águas de Chapecó, all intend to continue in the activities they develop, investing and perfecting the property.