Capacidade de Uso das Terras: analogias e contradições entre o conhecimento acadêmico e o não acadêmico em áreas de agricultura familiar de base ecológica

Abstract

The family farm represents the vast majority of farmers in Brazil and its importance is driven by the generation of employment and income, food security and local development. In the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), the family farm represents a significant portion of the rural population. Especially in Southern region, it has undergone changes due to the need of its lands conservation. Appropriate land use allied to the farmers knowledge are the alternatives to seek agroecosytems more sustainable. This paper analyzes comparatively the land-use capability system, proposed by Klingebiel & Montgomery (1961), with the criteria used by farmers to set the land use of their farm. It was conducted in six family and ecological farms located in the southern region of RS. Thus, it was possible to define which attributes and how they influence the farm decision making. Finally, we conclude that the use of the land -use capability system is not suited to the reality of studied farmers land use in southern RS.