Manutenção da vegetação nativa e qualidade de vida de agricultores no município de Cerro Largo, Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

Brazil has a rich biodiversity and vast areas of native vegetation that provide fundamental ecological functions. In addition to its environmental benefits, native vegetation also positively influences people's quality of life, especially in subjective and psychological aspects related to human well-being. However, in rural areas, this same vegetation can limit the area available for productive activities, which may impact the quality of life of farmers from a financial perspective. Despite this complex interaction between ecological benefits and economic challenges, the relationship between the presence of native vegetation and farmers' quality of life remains underexplored. This study aimed to understand how the presence of native vegetation influences the quality of life of farmers. A total of 43 rural properties, ranging from 10 to 20 hectares in size, were analysed and divided into two groups: those with less than 10% of native vegetation (without forest) and those with more than 30% of native vegetation (with forest). Data were collected through questionnaires addressing economic, social, environmental, and psychological aspects. The results indicated that, despite some differences, as the number of hours dedicated to a secondary occupation per week, most variables were not different between the two groups studied. This result is positive, as it suggests that both groups have a similar quality of life in economic, social, environmental, and psychological aspects, indicating that maintaining native vegetation on small rural properties is compatible with farmers' quality of life.