No abstract

Estudos apontam para a existência na metade sul do Rio Grande do Sul de uma situação de subdesenvolvimento, diretamente correlacionado com a crise da pecuária e da orizicultura. Estes sofrem com as políticas macroeconômicas ligadas à abertura da economia e com as pressões por ampliação da competitividade. Este processo faz com que a região venha apresentando desempenhos inferiores à média estadual quando analisados indicadores como PIB e renda per capita. Visando a diminuição destas desigualdades, setores governamentais vêm elaborando estratégias de desenvolvimento via aproveitamento tanto da vocação regional agrícola, quanto da inserção de cadeias diferenciadas no agronegócio local, sendo uma destas experiências a do Programa de Desenvolvimento da Fruticultura Irrigada na Metade Sul/RS. Neste contexto, este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar os resultados observados no PIB e no IDH de dois municípios localizados na Região da Campanha do RS, além de apresentar os efeitos observados sobre a qualidade de vida dos produtores após a implantação da fruticultura em suas propriedades. Com base nos dados coletados e na metodologia escolhida pode-se dizer que a diversificação produtiva das propriedades rurais contribui para melhorar a qualidade de vida dos produtores, havendo efeitos positivos no PIB per capita e no IDH dos municípios estudados.
Studies indicate the existence of a situation of underdevelopment in the southern half of Rio Grande do Sul, directly correlated with the farming and rice culture crises. The later suffers from the macroeconomic policies linked to the opening of the economy and with the pressures of the increase of competitiveness. This process has made the region present inferior performances than State averages when indicators such as GDP and per capita income are analyzed. Seeking to reduce these inequalities, governmental sectors have been elaborating development strategies through the utilization of the regional agricultural vocation as well as the insertion of differentiated chains in local agribusiness. One of these experiences is the Program for the Development of Irrigated Fruit Culture in the Southern Half/RS. Within this context, this article has the objective of presenting the results observed in the GDP and HDI of two municipalities located in the Campanha Region of Rio Grande do Sul, and also to present the effects observed on the life quality of the producers after the implementation of fruit culture in their properties. Based on the data collected and the methodology chosen, it can be said that the productive diversification of rural properties contributes in the improvement of the producers' life quality, having positive effects on the per capita GDP and HDI of the municipalities studied

No abstract

No abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present an alternative viewpoint to better manage the global natural resources using the case of soybean international market as a baseline and water as the natural resource, although the product and natural resource could be any other. Design/methodology/approach The case of Brazilian soya production and the international soybean market was used to illustrate the commodities and agricultural use of water, a global and finite natural resource. The water footprint analysis was applied to balance the international water trade associated to soybean exportation. Findings The net water balance indicates that Brazil is more efficient in the water use to soybean production considering water origin (types of water) and availability. That implies a benefit for soybean importers from Brazil who does not internalize this natural input in the cost of their products. Research limitations/implications The alternatives proposed and discussed in this essay are far from being complete and definitive. The details of their implications are beyond the scope and purpose of this essay. However, it may be the starting point for a wider academic and political debate. Practical implications There are externalities in the soybean market that are generating environmental and social costs. Those costs could be minimized by a fair international market that internalizes the costs of using finite natural resources. For that, adequate public policies should be designed, implemented and maintained. The monetary funds obtained from internalization of costs in water use could be addressed to research devoted to enlarge the water saving practices. Originality/value From a discussion about the fundamental role of natural resources in the maintenance of mankind life and the implications of its irrational use, a global governance of natural resources is being proposed. As practical actions for global governance, a green soybean, marketed under a water seal, has been discussed.