Short marketing circuits and labor relations among settled farmers in the state of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

The concept of the multifunctionality of family farming encourages a multi-layered perspective on social actors in rural areas by integrating sustainable practices that enhance climate resilience, thus reducing the impacts of climate change through biodiversity, ecological management, and, in our case, by strengthening short supply chains. This study analyzes the work of women farmers in the Milton Santos settlement, who practice agroecological cultivation, aiming to identify changes in productive labor resulting from agroecological production and consumption. Through participant observation and semi-structured interviews with 12 women farmers, findings systematically organized through content analysis reveal the development of relationships between producers and consumers. The farmers seek fair pricing to reach a larger number of consumers, and a sense of affection for agricultural work is observed, fostered by consumer recognition of their productive efforts. Beyond labor, the farmers report improved health and quality of life associated with agroecological production, including the exchange of seeds and food among farmers. We observe how relationships within local agri-food systems can mitigate the impacts of climate change, strengthening the local economy, the resilience of the settlement, and contributing to the advancement of agroecology and food security. We hope that our local contribution can inspire innovations in other regions, in pursuit of agroecological development across municipalities in Brazil and Latin America.