Technical Assistance and Rural Extension Policy in family farming in Chapada Diamantina: the case of the municipality of Piatã
Family farming; technical assistance and rural extension; SEBRAE; SENAR; coffee farming
This study analyzes Technical Assistance and Rural Extension (ATER) for a group of family coffee farmers in the municipality of Piatã, in the Chapada Diamantina region of Bahia. ATER is an important tool for fostering family farming, and this research looked at the scope of the service for farmers who produce specialty coffee, with access made possible through two private entities: SENAR and SEBRAE. Public policy does not currently reach the municipality, so actions are directed primarily at coffee production, through these entities. Family farmers from other sectors do not receive ATER at the moment. Therefore, this dissertation analyzed the effectiveness and reach of ATER among this group based on bibliographical and documentary research, as well as interviews with farmers and the two technicians working in the municipality, in order to understand the demands and orientation of the service provided.