CHARACTERIZATION AND ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF SMALLHOLDER PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

Abstract

This research was carried out to characterize and evaluate the small-holder production systems (SHF) in the central region of "Rio Grande do Norte" State of Brazil. It was monitored eight SHF in "Lajes" County and the data collection was done using two questionnaires: one for diagnostic and the other with economic information, both refering to period from July of 2008 to June of 2009. The data analysis was done using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation). The average SHF had 2.8 workers with 37 years old. All interviewee are part of some type of associative system, mainly (87.5%) farmers association, and had training in agriculture theme, 75% of that in health. Part of SHF evaluated had some kind of rural funding. The SHF had a lot of water resources, on the other hand in 12.5% of them it were inappropriate for consume. The average area of SHF was 107 hectare and the herd had 180 heads. The average gross margin of SHF was R$ 705.87/month, mainly from cattle (62%). Nevertheless, the sheep industry is expanding at SHF, being a source of income generation and employment in the SHF and has a market for their products. On the other hand, the results showed that it is necessary more line of credit to investments that enable innovation process, increase the production and the incomes in the SHF.