A política de assistência técnica e extensão rural para os processos de desenvolvimento local em Pernambuco: um estudo analítico

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the main difficulties in implementing the extension in supporting local development processes in Pernambuco as a paradigm with the National Policy on Technical Assistance and Extension - PNATER and the effects of this practice to family farmers in five settlements located in the coastal region of Pernambuco. The specific objectives were to analyze the Technical Advisory Service, Social and Environmental Assistence for the Land Reform - ATES that is associated with land reform programs, whose management is linked to the National Institute of Colonization and Agrarian Reform - INCRA. We also analyze the Technical Assistance and Rural Extension - ATER, publicly performed by the Agronomic Institute of Pernambuco - IPA directed to the public of farmers in general. For ATES believe it is the provision of technical assistance by non-state institutions or organizations contracted by INCRA, but keeping the public nature of the service. In the course methodology were performed the following procedures: document analysis, direct observation, informal conversations, interviews with farmers (as), managers and extension workers. The results were identified the following weaknesses or problems on the following items: the transfer of funds, and quantitative skills of extension workers, social service issues as community organization, limitations on practices related to environmental preservation. But there is unanimity on the part of respondents about the importance of technical assistance and rural extension, and that this activity as a public policy must continue to contribute to changes in the construction of a new model of rural development, this task should have an educational focus, participatory and reconstruction.