Production for self-consumption by family farmers in the municipality of Comodoro, sw Mato Grosso state

Abstract

The production destined to self-consumption has been a recurrent strategy of family farming, because it is of fundamental importance for the social reproduction of that segment, in spite of being mistakenly characterized as residual productions (without quality). In this sense, this study aimed to verify the contribution of production destined to self-consumption for the family farmers of Comodoro (Mato Grosso State) municipality. We investigated the family farmers belonging to four active associations of the Municipal Council for Sustainable Rural Development. The population sample was carried out by community/locality resulting in totally 97 farmers. An interview was done between October and December 2015, with the help of a semi-structured form and the data obtained was analyzed using Excel software and represented by absolute and relative frequency. All farmers produce for self-consumption because of the guarantee for food sovereignty. Referring to products of vegetal origin, the olive oil production and those of animal origin such as the eggs are mostly consumed by the families. In the production units with low diversification of plant and animal products, the family has a restricted diet, compared to the diversified units. The farmers consider its production sufficient for self-consumption, except for the pig production. The choice for olive and fruit trees production depends on the dietary habits of each family, and in this case the self-consumption is decisive on the variety of vegetables planted in the production units. It is concluded that the production for self-consumption is extremely important for the family farmers of Comodoro – Mato Grosso State, and that there is a need to promote proposals which contribute to the reduction of problems associated to the modernization process, food insecurity and the loss of cultural roots.