Estudo de quatro municípios da Serra do Sudeste do Rio Grande do Sul e possíveis alternativas para o seu desenvolvimento

Abstract

Rio Grande do Sul is considered one of the most developed Brazilian states, presenting social economical leveis superior to the rest ofBrazil. Althoug it is in abetter position, it is not a homogeneous state with the North and Northeast being more developed. The South presents a less dynamic economy with alarming poverty levei. In the South área there are some differenciated microregions. One ofthem is the "Serra do Sudeste" where the poverty leveis are more severe than the poor South region itself This study bases on the data offour municipalities in this region (Santana da Boa Vista, Caçapava do Sul, Lavras do Sul and Pinheiro Machado). Based on an initiative in progress done by EMATER/RS there, this work tries to discuss the current situation, its main problems, its solutions and alternatives within the institutional project "Área Piloto" (Pilot Área) which provides subsidy to this research. Methodologically, the actuation ofthe developmental agencies ignore the data on the land occupation and the formation ofthe "gaúcho" (a native ofthe state ofRio Grande do Sul) which has reflected in action proposals only at the local levei and very little transformation capacity. Based on this low effectivity ofthe developmental proposals, this work tries understand the past ofthe region and its municipalities. Its past was the determinam of the land occupation and formation of the inhabitants. These elements historically established, engendered by economical and cultural characteristics have contributed to mantain this situation ofstgnation and impoverishment. This study goes into details ofthis situation presenting the main social economic indicators ofthe region by identifying the importam participation ofthe agriculture on the regional economy. It also discusses the agriculture issues basing on these indicators, the positioning ofthe producers and predominant proposals and theories ofdevelopment. The results suggest that the issues of cultural formation resultam from the war history and struggle for survival, very differenciated from the rest ofthe country in that region, is an encumbrance to the associative initiatives and to the diversification ofthe activities ofagriculture exploration included in the techninal proposals. Also as a result, the analytical situation ofidentification of the types ofrural producers in the municipalities stands out. This situation, based on recent theorical proposals, contributes to a scientific reflection of the rural reality and it also points to the necessity ofa differentiation of the rural extension work attending the various rural social participants. At last, as a praticai contribution from this dissertation, possible alternatives are discussed and suggested based on the analysis ofthat regional reality, in light ofdevelopmental concepts and under the observation of the participants involved and the author.