Benefícios da ação coletiva na agricultura familiar: um estudo no perímetro irrigado do Rio Limpopo, Gaza, Moçambique

Abstract

This research sought to analyze the forms of cooperation and the benefits of collective action among family rice farmers in the Irrigated Perimeter of the Limpopo River in Mozambique. In methodological terms, qualitative research was carried out, using secondary data resulting from bibliographical and documentary research, and primary data from the application of a questionnaire to a sample by accessibility of 242 family farmers and the application of an interview to 6 heads of farmers' associations, with the aim of describing and explaining the forms of cooperation and benefits of collective action in these groups. The results show that there is cooperation in the region under analysis, resulting from associativism in agricultural activities, which generates benefits for farmers in terms of access to technology and resources, increased production volume, access to information, inclusion in the production chain, accessing larger markets, increasing income, and reducing market risk. Furthermore, it was clear that such cooperation has not helped family farmers to obtain certification for their product, as well as to reduce production risks related to climate, diseases, pests.