Among the strategies that seek to promote sustainable development in rural and forest areas are multi-stakeholder arrangements. These organizations are based on the formation of alliances between different actors, such as public agents, companies, NGOs and traditional communities. In Pará and Ceará, these networks collaborate for the inclusion and autonomy of family farmers, boosting the local economy and strengthening communities. The analysis was carried out by researchers from the School of Business Administration of São Paulo (FGV EAESP) Zilma Borges and Caio Momesso.

To investigate the structure and functioning of the arrangements, the researchers analyzed two cases: the Rede Origens Brasil, in Pará, and the Group of Solidarity Economy and Rural Tourism of Family Agriculture (GESTRAF), in Ceará. Between December 2020 and July 2021, they conducted six interviews with agents involved in the projects, including leaders of the government, traditional communities, and NGOs linked to the networks.

According to the research, the arrangements are responsible for improvements in the living conditions of rural communities. They also contribute to environmental preservation and strengthen the community organization and cultural identity of the groups.

Rural communities still lack infrastructure and territorial development policies

Rede Origens Brasil brought an increase in the income of local producers, in addition to principles of transparency and ethics in the production chain. From it, producers have access to information about the commercialization of materials and can create connections with buyers, having more autonomy over the process. The association also promotes the technical training of producers by offering courses on sustainable management, for example.

At GESTRAF, in turn, family farmers participate in itinerant fairs that allow them to expand marketing, contact with new customers and the exchange of knowledge with other producers. Thus, the network promotes the solidarity economy, fosters popular culture and strengthens farming communities.

Despite the successes achieved, the arrangements still face challenges. To overcome them, investments are needed in technical training of producers and strengthening the governance of the arrangements. Other strategies include improving the logistics and transport infrastructure of the networks and creating partnerships with the government, expanding access to public policies. In addition, the promotion of territorial development policies must be adapted to different local realities, which have their own specificities.

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