Socioeconomic Profile of Agricultural Producers and Production Systems in Municipalities of Piauí, Brazil

Abstract

Floodplain agriculture is a practice that involves cultivating arable soils along riverbanks and reservoirs, which become submerged during the rainy season. This study aimed to analyze the socioeconomic aspects of floodplain farmers in the municipalities of Amarante, Floriano, and Uruçuí along the banks of the Parnaíba River in northeastern Brazil. We conducted semi-structured interviews using the rapport technique. Data were analyzed using generalized linear models with four distributions (gamma, inverse Gaussian, exponential, and Gaussian), with the aim of identifying patterns and relationships between socioeconomic variables and production system profiles. The average age of respondents was 49 years across the three communities, with a predominance of male farmers. Regarding the length of residence, communities in Uruçuí had lived in the area the longest. In terms of monthly income, 80% of farmers earned up to one minimum wage. Land size analysis indicated that properties in Amarante had the highest average land area in hectares. We conclude that agriculture in the region studied is dominated by manual planting, low adoption of technologies, and scarce use of soil conservation techniques, suggesting more sustainable agricultural practices, the development of management plans, and rural extension practices.

1. Introduction

Agriculture is a cornerstone of Brazil’s economy, contributing significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and job creation [1]. Located in the country’s Northeast region, the state of Piauí accounts for 1.3% of national agricultural production and has unique characteristics that shape both the lives of its inhabitants and the dynamics of its agricultural activities [2].

Brazil’s federal government initiatives, such as the Fome Zero (“Zero Hunger”) program, have aimed to develop support strategies for family farming, high-consumption production, and floodplain agriculture—a traditional practice in the semi-arid region where farmers cultivate along the edges of water reservoirs as the water recedes [3]. Agriculture provides a livelihood for local families and plays a crucial role in the regional economy. However, sustainability and productivity in these areas depend on various factors, including agricultural yield and resilience to climatic adversities [4].

Floodplain agriculture, a practice that involves using arable soils along the edges of rivers and reservoirs that become submerged during the rainy season, is essential for farmers’ survival. This method allows them to cultivate the fertile banks of rivers [5], supporting the food supply for family farming. However, the rapid growth of the population has led to an increased demand for food, prompting efforts to expand agricultural areas to meet this need [6].

Agriculture not only provides a livelihood for local families but also plays a crucial role in the regional economy. However, the sustainability and productivity of agriculture in these municipalities depend on a number of socioeconomic factors that need to be understood in their entirety [7]. Promoting sustainable agriculture requires raising farmers’ awareness about environmental conservation while providing them with the tools and methods needed to achieve sustainable development [8].

In this regard, farmers in the Brazilian semi-arid region use manual planting, but mechanized techniques are also gaining ground [9]. Manual planting, although accessible and of low initial cost, can result in lower productivity and require considerable physical effort from farmers, which can limit the capacity to expand agricultural activities [10]. This scenario suggests the need for public policies and rural extension programs that promote access to appropriate technologies for these farmers, respecting their traditional knowledge and the ecological context in which they live.

In this sense, agriculture needs to be sustainable in the sense of the three dimensions (economic, environmental, and social) [11]. Sustainable innovative organizations arise from the growing competition between organizations due to the need to produce efficiently and the more demanding demand for sustainable products. This whole movement has made organizations reconsider their business strategies, involving the production process, product development, and their socio-environmental relationship with society [11]. Thus, in order to promote the development of sustainable agriculture, it is necessary to raise awareness among farmers about environmental conservation, in addition to offering them the means and methods to achieve this sustainable development [12].

In this context, identifying socioeconomic and production patterns allows for a better understanding of farmers’ needs, leading to the implementation of appropriate technologies that foster social inclusion and sustainable economic growth [13]. Thus, recognizing these patterns across different regions has been essential to guide interventions to improve farmers’ quality of life and promote sustainable development.

This study analyzed the socioeconomic aspects of farmers engaged in floodplain agriculture in Amarante, Floriano, and Uruçuí, three municipalities in Piauí, northeastern Brazil. We examined the socioeconomic profile of farmers cultivating along the banks of the Parnaíba River, considering variables such as income, gender, education level, age, agricultural activity, and property size. The central question guiding the research was: What socioeconomic drivers induce the population of the aforementioned area to plant on the banks of the Parnaíba River? By exploring the profiles of farmers in Amarante, Floriano, and Uruçuí, we provide a detailed insight into the living conditions of those practicing floodplain agriculture in the region.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Study Area

The research was conducted in Amarante, Floriano, and Uruçuí, Piauí, Brazil. These locations were chosen based on an analysis of GDP, their proximity to the Parnaíba River, and prominence in floodplain agriculture, particularly in cultivating rice, beans, and other crops. The study sites were selected through consultations of territorial maps from sources such as the Atlas of the Brazilian Countryside (“Atlas of Rural Brazil”), which incorporates data from the 2017 Agricultural Census and other studies conducted by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics—IBGE), as well as the Atlas of Brazilian Agriculture (“Atlas of Brazilian Agriculture”), which includes information on the distribution of rural land properties based on data from the National Institute for Colonization and Agrarian Reform (National Institute of Colonization and Agrarian Reform—INCRA) and the Rural Environmental Registry (Rural Environmental Registry—CAR).

These communities were selected because they have flooded recession agriculture on the banks of the Parnaíba River, and the residents have significant local knowledge about this type of agriculture. Uruçuí’s economy is based on family farming, which has led to an increase in its participation in the state’s economy, mainly in grain products, especially rice and soybeans, as well as corn and beans. This progressive productive performance has favored the installation of large enterprises, attracted by the favorable natural conditions, as well as incentives provided by the federal and state governments, making it one of the first municipalities to house large grain producers, particularly soybeans [14].

Amarante was chosen for its delineation of cultivated or resting areas, which can be heterogeneous agricultural zones or represent extensive planted areas. It has temporary rice, banana, and sugar cane plantations [15]. Floriano has a diversified economy, with the service sector predominating, followed by industry and subsistence agriculture and farming. Products from these crops are sold at traditional fairs, boosting the local economy.

The communities studied have an electricity grid and a water supply through wells and cisterns. They also have a telephone network, which can only be accessed individually through access towers, as well as municipal schools and a health center. Access to electricity is necessary for operating equipment, optimizing agricultural activities, and increasing the consumption of durable goods. Despite all these benefits, rural electrification must be combined with effective rural economic management programs in order to foster greater development and boost the country’s agricultural sector.

Amarante is located in the Microregion of Middle Parnaíba, the North-Central Mesoregion of Piauí, in the Intermediate Geographic Region of Teresina, and the Immediate Geographic Region of Amarante, Água Branca, and Regeneração (6°14′27″ S; 42°51′18″ W), with an average altitude of 104 m (Figure 1). Amarante covers an area of 1331 km², has a population density of 14.8 inhabitants per km², a human development index (HDI) of 0.598, and a population of 17,135 inhabitants, with 8772 living in urban areas and 8363 in rural areas [16,17].

This municipality is located approximately 220 km from the state capital, Teresina, and borders Palmeirais and Angical do Piauí to the north, Floriano and Francisco Ayres to the south, Angical do Piauí, Regeneração, and Arraial to the east, and the state of Maranhão to the west, with the Parnaíba River serving as the interstate boundary [17]. Amarante is rich in natural resources, featuring vegetation types such as cerrado, mixed secondary deciduous forest, and broadleaf secondary forest. Due to its geographic location, it lies between the Parnaíba, Canindé, and Mulato rivers [18]. However, a water deficit occurs from June to December, while actual evaporation reaches its minimum and maximum peaks in August and December, respectively [19].

The region’s soils are classified as hapludalfs, typical hapludolls, lithic udipsamments, and typical hapludox [20]. Consequently, these communities benefit from consistent and satisfactory average rainfall, with their sedimentary soils playing a key role in recharging aquifers due to the porosity of the rocks.

In Amarante, the rural communities studied were Veredinha, Malhadinha, Mimoso, and Conceição, with the first three located 20 km from the municipal headquarters and the last one 30 km away (6°11′188″ S; 42°51′234″ W; Figure 1). The average distance between them is 28 km. These communities were selected because they practice flood recession agriculture along the banks of the Parnaíba River, possessing significant local knowledge about this type of agriculture.

The studied communities have access to an electrical grid and water, which is supplied through wells and cisterns. They also have telephone service (available individually via access towers), municipal schools, and a health post. The first community comprises 10 families, the second 20, the third 13, and the fourth 30. They were chosen due to their location along the banks of the Parnaíba River and because many long-term residents possess extensive local knowledge about the species they grow and cultivate.

Floriano is located 244 km from the state capital, Teresina, in the Médio Parnaíba region at 112 m above sea level (Figure 2). Covering an area of 3409.68 km² and home to 60,111 inhabitants, this municipality experiences a hot tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 29 to 39 °C and annual rainfall between 800 and 1400 mm—primarily concentrated from November to May, with a dry season from June to September. Floriano exhibits transitional vegetation, including semi-deciduous forests, caatinga, hyper-xerophilous and semi-deciduous forests, cerrado, and deciduous forests [21]. It is traversed by the Parnaíba, Uica, Gurguéia, and Itaueira rivers, as well as the Bom Jardim and Tábua lagoons and the Éguas, Caldeirão, and Alegrete streams [22]. The region’s soils were formed through the alteration of sandstones, siltstones, shales, limestones, claystone, laterites, and basalts; they are classified as lithic, alkaline, and dystrophic soils.

Three rural communities were selected in Floriano—Bom Jardim, Vereda Grande, and Água Boa—located 20 km from the municipal headquarters. All communities have access to electricity, wireless telephone networks, and water supplied through pipelines, wells, and cisterns; however, only Vereda Grande has a municipal school and a health post, where services are provided biweekly. The first community comprises 50 families, the second 25, and the third 24. These communities were chosen because each had at least one resident practicing floodplain agriculture along the banks of the Parnaíba River. Farmers use pesticides excessively and without proper techniques in areas near the floodplains, making the vegetation around their homes yellowed and dead.

Uruçuí is located in the Alto Parnaíba Microregion, 358 km from Teresina in the Southwest Mesoregion of Piauí (Figure 3). It was established as a municipality by Decree No. 52 on 22 March 1938 [10], and currently has a GDP of R$146,563,000.00 and a population of 19,811 inhabitants, with 66% residing in urban areas and 34% in rural areas.

The vegetation in the Uruçuí communities exhibits regular characteristics, with woody plants showing conspicuous scleromorphic leaves, sympodial branch growth, tortuosity, and rough or suberized bark. The soils in Uruçuí are yellow, alic, or dystrophic, of medium texture, or red-yellow podzols, associated with quartz sand, and classified as hapludox [23].

Uruçuí has average temperatures ranging from 20 to 31 °C and is rich in water resources, represented by the Parnaíba, Uruçuí-Preto, and Catapora rivers, as well as the Vereda de São Gregório, Grande, and Estiva streams [19]. It is located on the banks of the Parnaíba River, which divides the states of Piauí and Maranhão, 453 km from the state capital, Teresina. This municipality is one of the fastest-growing in Brazil, mainly due to the agribusiness sector.

The study was conducted in three rural communities in Uruçuí: Porto Velho, Campo Grande, and Cancela, located 30 km from the municipal headquarters. The first community has 45 families, the second 50, and the third 35. These communities were selected based on the presence of at least one family member practicing floodplain agriculture along the banks of the Parnaíba River, even though the activity was primarily carried out along the banks of the Piauí River. All the communities have access to water, electricity, and a health clinic, although medical care is provided only once a month. Large soybean plantations, owned by landowners who also live near the banks of the Parnaíba River, surround the residences.

2.2. Data Collection

The research is of the qualitative and quantitative type, and the exploratory probabilistic sampling method was adopted [24]. One resident of each residence, of legal age, from the communities studied, among men and women who identified themselves as vazanteiros, was interviewed. The criterion for determining this identification was work in agriculture on the banks of the Parnaíba River and experience in várzea cultivation.

We visited the communities of Amarante, Floriano, and Uruçuí from December 2023 to March 2024. Using the Rapport technique proposed by Bernard [24], the researchers introduced themselves to the interviewees at their homes and took the time to familiarize themselves with the community, building trust while ensuring the reliability of the information gathered.

The rapport technique made it possible to establish a relationship of trust and mutual respect between the researchers and the communities studied. With this connection, the exchange of information was facilitated, ensuring that the knowledge shared was authentic, complete, and without interference from third parties.

To determine the criteria for participant selection, we considered individuals with experience in planting and cultivating floodplains. The exclusion criteria for the sample were individuals who did not work in floodplain agriculture, those who were absent during the data collection period, those working with cultivation on another riverbank, and those who did not sign the informed consent form (ICF).

The study population consisted of individuals of both sexes, aged between 18 and 80. Only one person from each household took part in the survey. Volunteers were then asked if they worked in the planting of ebb in order to take part. The study sample consisted of 219 informants, representing 100% of the area studied and meeting the inclusion criteria. The number of participants varied from community to community. It should be noted that in households with more than one leaker, the oldest was interviewed, given the accumulation of knowledge over a lifetime.

We conducted semi-structured interviews guided by forms, allowing flexibility in data collection and enabling respondents to adjust questions as needed to obtain more detailed information or clarify specific points [25]. In this context, the questions addressed the socioeconomic attributes of the population, including age, marital status, length of residence, education, place of birth, and income. The questions also covered information related to the production system profile, such as property size, number of workers, property conditions, and assets on the property. The responses were analyzed and approached through descriptive and analytical processes [26]. Thus, in the analytical process, the data were examined from an interpretive perspective [27], as well as quantitatively using mathematical language to describe relationships between variables. After the application of the information collection mechanisms, the data were verified, coded, and tabulated. The numbers obtained were processed, and their variables generated descriptive statistics through percentages that are presented in graphs and tables.

2.3. Data Analysis

The collected data were tabulated and subjected to descriptive statistical analyses to synthesize the main characteristics of the studied population. Graphs were generated to represent the obtained information visually, facilitating the interpretation of the socioeconomic attributes of the respondents involved in floodplain farming. We used generalized linear models with four distributions—gamma, inverse Gaussian, exponential, and Gaussian—selecting the model with the lowest Akaike Information Criterion (AIC).

To test for significant differences between socioeconomic attributes across cities and genders, nonparametric statistical tests were used with generalized nonparametric linear models with 4 distributions—gamma, inverted Gaussian, exponential, and Gaussian. The reasons for using these methods were to evaluate the variables of education, agricultural activity, gender, time of residence per city, monthly income per city, and property per community, verifying variations between them and among the municipalities studied. The analyses were performed using R revision 4.4.0 software, considering a confidence level of 5%. Graphs were generated to visually represent the information obtained, facilitating the interpretation of the socioeconomic attributes of the interviewees used in the planting of floodplains.

2.4. Ethical and Legal Aspects

This research project was submitted to and approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Pará (UFPA) in compliance with the Guidelines and Standards for Research Involving Human Beings and following Resolutions 466/2012 and 510/2016 of the National Health Council [24,25]. These resolutions ensure the ethical conduct of the research and mandate a clear explanation of the research methodology and objectives.

Before the research began, participants were informed about the study’s purpose and signed the ICF. They were assured of their anonymity and informed that participation was voluntary. Participants could withdraw from the study at any time without any consequences, and it was emphasized that the research posed no risk or harm to them. Following approval by the ethics committee, the project was submitted to the Brazil platform for data collection authorization.

3. Results

The socioeconomic data (

Table 1. Socioeconomic conditions of the studied communities in Amarante, Floriano, and Uruçuí, state of Piauí, Brazil.

Variables	Questions	Results	Number of Participants	Proportion (%)
Educational data	Level of education	Elementary School (Level 1)	83	37.73
		Elementary School (Level 2)	32	14.54
		High School	96	43.63
		Technical Education	1	0.45
		Higher Education	9	4.09
Demographic data	Length of residence in the community	Up to 10 years	17	7.73
		11 to 29 years	9	4.09
		More than 30 years	180	82.00
Government assistance	Government aid	Seguro Pescador (“Fisher’s Insurance”)	12	5.45
		Bolsa Família (“Family Allowance”)	8	3.63
		Garantia Safra (“Crop Guarantee”)	74	33.63
Income source	Income Source	Agriculture	2	0.9
		Agriculture and handicrafts	144	65.45
		Agriculture and commerce	220	100
Agricultural activity	What do they plant and cultivate?	Crops: Beans, pumpkin, watermelon, melon, cassava, maxixe, okra, jerimum, banana, soy, pepper, Brazilian eggplant, tomato, corn	10	4.54
	What is the reason for using the plantation?	Commercialization and consumption	9	4.09
		Commercialization	199	90.45
		Consumption	2	0.9
Total number of participants			220

) refer to the study sample, with one farmer interviewed per household.

As shown in Table 1, 5.6% of the respondents have completed only primary education, 5.6% have completed elementary education, 1% reported having attended higher education, and 0.52% have completed high school in Amarante. Among the respondents, 32.4% have lived in the communities for more than 30 years and are natives of the area, while 2.4% have lived there for less than 10 years and originate from other states such as Ceará, Minas Gerais, Tocantins, Pará, Paraíba, and Rio Grande do Sul. The interviewees from the three communities come from farming families, with 84.9% practicing floodplain farming, 3% engaged in agriculture and participating in the Garantia Safra (“Crop Guarantee”) program, 3% being retired, 0.6% combining agriculture and commerce, 0.6% living solely from agriculture, and 34.8% relying on fishing and handicrafts. Regarding the purpose of their plantations, 34.8% use the products they plant and cultivate for self-consumption, while only 1.2% make them available for commercialization.

In Floriano, 50.4% of the respondents have completed only primary education, 10.4% have completed elementary education, and 3.2% have completed higher education (Table 1). Among the 80 individuals surveyed, 9.6% have lived in the studied communities for up to 10 years, originating from other states and relocating to communities in Piauí, while 54.4% have been residents since birth. Of these, 93% engage in activities ranging from family farming and fruit production to raising animals such as poultry, goats, pigs, donkeys, and cattle. Additionally, 4% receive Bolsa Família (“Family Allowance”), and 1.6% benefit from the Seguro Pescador (“Fisher’s Insurance”) programs. As for their activities, 9.6% combine agriculture and commerce, 52.8% focus solely on agriculture, and 1.6% rely on fishing, hunting, and agriculture. Regarding the use of their crops, 5.6% utilize them for both commercialization and consumption, 0.8% use them exclusively for commercialization, 1.6% use corn for silage for cattle, and 56% use them only for consumption.

In terms of education levels in Uruçuí (Table 1), 50.4% of the respondents have completed only primary education, 10.4% have completed elementary education, and 3.2% have completed higher education. The residents of the studied communities in this municipality include 2.4% farm owners who moved to Uruçuí in search of a better life, while 60.8% have always lived in these communities. When assessing government assistance, we found that 4.8% receive Seguro Pescador, and 5.6% are retirees. These activities are aimed at family subsistence, with occasional commercialization for profit. Only 6.4% of the respondents rely on agriculture, hunting, fishing, and handicrafts, while 56% survive from agriculture and commerce. Of the respondents, 59.2% use the products they cultivate for commercialization and consumption, while 3.2% engage primarily in the commercialization of soybeans.

3.1. Socioeconomic Profile of the Communities

We interviewed 219 interviewees, the majority of whom were male (96.35%, n = 211), while only 3.65% (n = 8) were female.

Men had an average age of 49.2 (±8.71) years, while women averaged 44 (±10.1) years, indicating that men were older in this sample (Figure 4). However, no significant age difference was found between genders (W = 533.5, p = 0.07748). When comparing across the studied cities, in Amarante, men had an average age of 51.2 (±8.31) years, and women had 39.8 (±0.96) years. In Floriano, men averaged 47.9 (±10.1) years, while women averaged 48 (±13.7). In Uruçuí, only men were interviewed, with an average age of 49 (±7.26) years, as women declined to participate. As noted earlier, no statistical difference was found in age across the municipalities (W = 2.9994, p = 0.2232).

3.2. Length of Residence

Residents of Uruçuí had the longest average time, with 47.1 (±11.2) years, followed by Floriano with 40.8 (±19.3) years, and Amarante with 38.7 (±13.7) years (Figure 5). A significant difference was observed in the length of residence across the communities. This can be attributed to Uruçuí residents having local family arrangements, while Floriano residents came from neighboring cities and migrated to rural areas seeking better living conditions and to engage in agricultural practices (W = 15.884, p = 0.0003555).

3.3. Monthly Income of the Interviewees

As far as income is concerned, 199 informants earn up to R$3000.00 (Figure 6) a month, which is more than two minimum wages, but 189 informants said they earn one minimum wage (R$1412.00) a month, which shows the informants’ low income. Those who earn more than R$7000.00 (Figure 6) have their income based on growing soybeans, watermelons, and corn. These are farmers from various states, such as Rio Grande do Sul, Pará, Tocantins, and Paraíba, who have invested in the planting of vazantes in the state of Piauí with the aim of selling on a large scale.

3.4. Property Size

Due to some outliers, we categorized the producers into two groups regarding property size: those with properties smaller than 100 hectares and those with properties larger than 100 hectares. The communities in Amarante and Uruçuí have average property sizes of 9.37 (±8.82) hectares, all under 100 hectares (Figure 7). In contrast, Floriano has a single property of 90 hectares, representing a significant difference (61.196, 2, p = ≤0.0001).

The average size of properties larger than 100 hectares (Figure 7) was 621.83 hectares (±287.12). In this case, the municipality with the largest average was Amarante, with 790 hectares (±138), followed by Uruçuí with 783 hectares (±76.4), while Floriano had an average of 517 hectares (±319). However, the largest number of producers with properties over 100 hectares resides in the municipality of Floriano (n = 11). No significant difference was found between the studied municipalities’ property sizes above 100 hectares (2.2843, p = 0.3191).

4. Discussion

The survey shows that income and property size seem to support cultivation along riverbanks for floodplain farmers, as this practice supplements their income. They also use sustainable farming techniques, such as simple land use without pesticides that could run off into the rivers, and rely on traditional knowledge passed down through generations. Understanding these socioeconomic variables helps identify patterns and ways of life in the studied communities, offering insights into income derived from property management, producer age, property size, and how these factors support floodplain farming. In this regard, we observed that the average age of the interviewees was 49 years across the three communities, with a male predominance. The farmers from the communities in Uruçuí have lived in the community longer than those in the other studied locations. Most of the farmers have an income of up to one minimum wage. Furthermore, the Amarante community showed the highest average in terms of property size.

The research also shows a lack of information among farmers, which can result in interactions that harm local biodiversity, contaminate the soil and bodies of water, and can also accelerate the resistance of pests and diseases, requiring increasingly higher doses or more aggressive products to obtain the same results [28]. This data points to the urgent need for technical training and adequate guidance for farmers who use agrochemicals. Excessive or uncontrolled application of these products can compromise the health of the ecosystem and of the rural workers themselves. Furthermore, without correct use, agricultural practices can become unsustainable in the long term, as soil degradation and water pollution can compromise future productivity and the economic viability of farms [29].

Rural extension programs focused on preserving soil health, along with policies that encourage and reward the use of sustainable agricultural techniques, are key to reversing this unfavorable scenario [30]. This scenario reinforces the importance of public policies and rural extension programs that offer technical support for the correct application of agrochemicals, as well as viable and sustainable alternatives, such as bio-inputs and biological control practices, which would allow farmers to improve their production safely, without compromising the health of local ecosystems or the quality of life of the community.

The scenario identified points to the urgent need for public policies and programs to support rural development that increase access to agricultural technologies, technical training, and affordable agricultural credit. The introduction of innovations adapted to local realities is essential to strengthen farmers’ resilience and productivity, improving not only their living conditions but also promoting more sustainable agriculture in line with the region’s environmental characteristics.

4.1. Education of the Interviewees from the Three Studied Municipalities

Through the results obtained in the study, low levels of education can limit access to technological innovation and information. In this context, education for rural areas becomes an essential tool to be introduced in rural communities. According to [31], the Programa Nacional de Integração da Educação Profissional com a Educação Básica na modalidade de Educação de Jovens e Adultos (“National Program for the Integration of Professional Education with Basic Education in the Youth and Adult Education Modality”–PROEJA) is important for preparing farmers and others who did not have the opportunity for formal education at the appropriate age. This program promotes improvements in agricultural development and the search for new techniques and enhancements that support farmers in their efforts to preserve the environment. Such initiatives have emerged as opportunities to strengthen and enhance the education of populations in rural areas [32].

Thus, the pursuit of education in rural areas is crucial for forming and developing citizenship among various social groups, regardless of their educational level. It is particularly important in rural areas, where the goal is to achieve a balanced relationship between humans and nature [13]. One strategy to strengthen informal education in these areas is environmental education, which plays a key role in shifting from reductive, fragmented thinking to a more holistic perspective, considering both society and the environment [29].

4.2. Demographic Data

Remaining in rural areas involves several challenges for young people across different rural contexts, including the political and cultural undervaluation of rural life, limited access to fundamental rights such as healthcare and education, and inadequate conditions for the production and commercialization of their products. From a sociological perspective on the “new rural” [33], small rural properties may present a distinctive form of reproducing the family-production-work dynamic. This process involves the intergenerational transmission of knowledge and values through property management and labor execution.

On the other hand, the configuration of rural areas has changed due to the expansion of agribusiness. Data indicate that some local landowners in the studied areas are selling their land to migrants from other states who see Piauí as an opportunity to expand their agribusiness activities. Uruçuí stands out as a pioneer in hosting agribusiness companies, providing the necessary infrastructure for the establishment of agribusiness ventures, offering favorable geo-environmental conditions for land productivity, and having an attractive real estate market for land purchases [34]. The Piauí Cerrado, as the largest biome in South America, offers favorable conditions such as suitable soil for cultivation and water resources that support planting and harvesting.

The results show those who earn up to one minimum wage supplement their income with federal government assistance. Landowners who can prove a loss of at least 50% of their rural production benefit from the Garantia Safra program. Those who also rely on fishing receive the Seguro Pescador during the piracema (annual upstream migration of freshwater fish in Brazil for spawning, typically occurring during the rainy season) period. Additionally, some families with incomes below the minimum wage receive Bolsa Família as financial support to increase their household income. In contrast, migrants from other states who have lived in the community for less than 10 years do not receive government assistance. They typically own larger land areas, and their income is based on the commercialization of agricultural products.

According to [35], government transfers have played a decisive role in maintaining, sustaining, and ensuring the economic and social stability of the northeastern region, with particular emphasis on the Rural Social Security program corroborating the data collected in the study. The authors argue that the transfer of resources to residents of these economically disadvantaged areas is one of the main factors supporting the local economy by providing a reliable source of income for farmers.

Other assistance programs, such as Garantia Safra and Auxílio Pescador, are essential for providing financial support to farmers whose crops become unproductive during drought periods and to those who stop fishing during the spawning season (piracema). These policies are vital for the sector’s development, ensuring that small producers can sustain their families despite these challenges.

In this context, [36] highlights that welfare programs like Bolsa Família support many family farmers in Brazil. This financial assistance is essential for supplementing income and meeting the population’s basic needs in the municipalities studied.

4.3. Sources of Income: Agriculture, Commerce, and Handicrafts

Given the above, farmers who engage in commercialization practices use large-scale planting, supported by machinery and skilled labor, as well as systematic planting to supply neighboring municipalities and other states, providing them with profitability. On the other hand, traditional agriculture practitioners rely on manual planting and harvesting methods. Farmers who fish use this practice as a complement to their diet.

We found that farmers practice subsistence agriculture, primarily focused on producing food for their households. Although the specific crops vary in prominence among communities, beans, pumpkin, corn, watermelon, and maxixe serve as the staple crops in every family. Notably, 93% of the farmers favor intercropping—cultivating two or more species on the same plot. In the floodplain areas, it is common to see a mix of corn, beans, watermelon, okra, and maxixe grown together. Moreover, when the harvest is abundant and yields exceed household needs, farmers sell a portion of their surplus to purchase goods and services for other necessities [37]. This information was also shown in a study carried out by [37,38], which verified this practice. Furthermore, when the harvest is abundant, part of the surplus produce is sold for the subsequent purchase of goods and services to meet the farmers’ other needs.

4.4. What They Plant/Reason for Planting

Given the foregoing, farmers who engage in commercialization practices use large-scale cultivation—with the support of machinery and skilled labor—and systematic planting to supply neighboring municipalities and other states, ensuring profitability. In contrast, traditional agriculture practitioners rely on manual planting and harvesting methods. Farmers who fish use this practice as a complement to their food supply.

The cultivation of plants for consumption and intercropping plays an important economic role, serving as both extra and regular income, which makes producers less dependent on purchasing products marketed in urban areas, thereby granting them sales autonomy [38]. Thus, production is linked to rural sustainability, allowing it to be sustained for future generations.

In this context, ref. [39] argues that self-consumption does not result from a producer’s lack of productivity or qualification but reflects a role they embrace and the diverse meanings they attach to their vision of agriculture. According to the authors, the prevailing production model in family farming is based on subsistence and self-consumption, rather than large-scale production. Sales occur out of necessity, as agricultural practice is seen as a way of life rather than a business venture—a logic typical of the provisioning economy.

In the studied municipalities, cultivating corn, beans, pumpkin, and watermelon is fundamental to local agriculture. For example, corn is used for human consumption, serves as income through commercialization, and is utilized for animal feed in the silage process. According to [40], this practice is essential for food and nutritional sovereignty. We found that in all three municipalities, 93% of farmers engage in subsistence agriculture, focusing on family self-consumption. The crops practiced vary in planting intensity among communities; however, beans, pumpkin, corn, watermelon, and maxixe are the agricultural staples in all families. Seven percent of producers prefer the intercropping system, which involves cultivating two or more species in the same area. In floodplain areas, it is common to interplant corn, beans, watermelon, okra, and maxixe. However, only 7% of plants are farmed for commercialization.

Intercropping of beans, corn, and pumpkin is a common practice in the region and serves as a conservation strategy employed by small-scale subsistence farming [33,34]. This approach is defined as on-farm conservation, meaning the maintenance of local agricultural diversity by farmers through its use over thousands of years.

4.5. Age by Gender of the Interviewees

The male gender was predominant in the research, while female representation was not very prominent in the communities studied. The presence of women in family agricultural production is based on backyard planting of vegetables, medicinal, and ornamental plants. When it came to planting in the leaks, women who headed the household, such as solo mothers, stood out when it came to subsistence farming on a few hectares of land, using manual labor and without the use of radical techniques.

The average age of the farmers was 49.2 years, with gender-specific age differences that provide valuable insights into the demographic profiles of the regions examined. In Amarante, men had a higher average age than women, suggesting possible differences in socioeconomic or cultural dynamics that may influence the participation of different age groups in planting activities.

The predominance of men and the age distribution of farmers have important implications for rural development and the formulation of public policies. The low participation of women indicates a need to promote initiatives that encourage female inclusion in the agricultural sector by offering more training opportunities and better access to resources. The present results reveal a clear gender disparity, with a significant predominance of men compared to women. This highlights the importance of considering gender representation, suggesting potential areas for future research on participation dynamics.

Gender relations influence individuals’ participation in income-generating activities. Men are more likely to engage in wage labor and self-employment, whereas women are more likely to rely on agriculture as their primary source of income. Households headed by women tend to have lower incomes than those headed by men.

In this context, studies on the relationship between age and gender in agriculture—such as those by [41]—state that younger farmers, at the peak of their physical and technical abilities, can drive the modernization of machinery and equipment in family-run farms. However, the lack of interest among young people in continuing rural activities is influenced by several factors, including unappealing public policies, academic training that does not focus on the effective use of rural properties, the allure of urban centers, and wealth levels. These factors directly affect whether young people decide to continue the rural activities initiated by their parents [36]. Today, the departure of the younger generation results in a shortage of successors to sustain the family agricultural business.

Experience in planting vazantes is evidently associated with people’s awareness and perceptions from past generations [42]. Awareness of the environmental services available in the study area was probably the result of socio-demographic characteristics such as the experience of farmers from this area and nearby regions and participation in social organizations, which consolidated this ownership of environmental issues. Similar characteristics were also observed in a study by Page and [43], in which most of the farmers had been farming for between 11 and 20 years, demonstrating that the group interviewed was made up of experienced farmers who knew the resources of the local environment.

The data in Table and Figures also suggest challenges in adopting new technologies and modern agricultural practices. Older farmers may be less willing or able to adopt innovations, which could negatively impact the productivity and efficiency of agricultural operations [44]. Therefore, rural extension programs that provide training and technical support to older farmers may be crucial for promoting modernization in the sector.

It is essential to highlight that the lack of a statistically significant overall difference in the ages across the investigated municipalities may be attributed to the variability within each group and the specific nature of local demographic characteristics. These results provide a valuable starting point for future investigations exploring local factors influencing participation and demographic traits in environmental and social studies.

4.6. Length of Residence in Communities

We found a significant difference in the length of residence among the farmers, with the Uruçuí communities standing out for having a longer residency in the studied areas. This factor may have important implications for agricultural and community development. In localities where farmers have lived for a longer period, there may be a greater accumulation of local knowledge and traditional farming practices passed down through generations [38]. In such cases, this temporal difference can lead to better management of natural resources and more sustainable agricultural practices [45].

In the study area, rural living conditions, such as earning a minimum wage, have been supplemented by seed donations from government programs or neighbors. This support provides basic conditions for floodplain farmers’ livelihoods and continued residence in the studied communities.

4.7. Income of the Interviewees

The average monthly income of the interviewees earning up to R$3000 is equivalent to up to two minimum wages. This income level may have several negative implications for rural development and the sustainability of agricultural practices, as financial limitations can restrict access to quality inputs, modern agricultural technology, and technical assistance, which are essential for increasing productivity and operational efficiency in agriculture [46]. These results suggest that social inequality leads to a lower quality of life, limited educational development, irregular food supply, and inadequate basic sanitation.

In Brazil, the establishment of assistance programs, such as Bolsa Família, serves a significant portion of family farmers, providing income supplementation and helping to meet basic needs. It is urgent to consider new relationships in rural extension, focused on individual and collective articulation capacity, where on one side are the rural development agents and on the other, the families [46].

In this sense, the government created programs to improve the production and profitability of farmers, such as the National Program to Strengthen Family Farming (“National Program for Strengthening Family Farming”—PRONAF) and AgroAmigo, as an alternative for the operationalization of a specific group, executed by the Banco do Nordeste (“Bank of the Northeast”—BNB), launched in 2005, with resources from the National Treasury and Constitutional Funds. The program aims to improve the socioeconomic profile of family farmers by offering loans with compliance bonuses, in addition to providing low-interest rates [47].

Income is one of the main factors in the decision to stay or leave rural property [48]. In this regard, among farmers who are particularly sensitive to succession-related factors, those with higher incomes—typically ranging from three to five minimum wages per month—were identified. Young individuals who remain in agricultural activities are usually children of farmers with higher purchasing power, who are able to have a better quality of life and invest in new production technologies [49].

In Brazil, the influence of education on income may be overestimated [50]. In this study, we analyzed the correlation between income, education, and land area. We found that farmers earning over R$7000.00 typically had technical or higher education levels, as well as larger land areas and more efficient land use. The economic factors involved in agricultural production create conditions for income appropriation [51], with corporations often benefiting by supporting allied politicians who are part of the production process and working together [52].

4.8. Property Size

The results showed that the communities in Amarante had the largest average property size, while Floriano had properties smaller than 100 hectares. Farmers with smaller land areas and/or less knowledge and experience in long-term financial incentives may resist adopting measures that favor production expansion. One alternative is partnering with other producers and leasing land, which enables larger-scale cultivation and, consequently, higher profitability [53].

Agricultural production is a key factor in the economy, as it is a natural resource that provides goods and services. It is possible to increase productivity and improve its utilization, which is essential for environmental sustainability [54]. However, the size of the land area is limited, and its method of appropriation is a crucial issue for agricultural development [55].

The size of rural properties strongly impacts economic classes [56]. Large landowners, in particular, benefit from higher incomes generated by the profitability of their land. Ref. [45] presented evidence demonstrating that larger property sizes are associated with higher prices, a relationship attributed to robust local agricultural production.

The size of properties is linked to irregular distribution, a factor that originates from the colonial period when the Northeast region was home to large estates dedicated to producing raw materials for export and market supply. Currently, the large rural properties studied are concentrated in the hands of farmers who engage in large-scale activities, particularly through planting in floodplains. Products such as watermelon and banana are produced in the communities of Amarante and sold to other states, as well as soybean production in Uruçuí.

5. Conclusions

This study revealed the discrepancy between genders as well as the income variation between them, highlighting higher income for households led by men compared to those headed by women. Furthermore, we demonstrated that higher income is linked to income, education, and property size.

When these variables are linked, a higher level of schooling in rural areas makes it possible to earn better salaries, which directly affects financial investments, both to obtain properties suitable for planting and to invest in agricultural technologies and sustainable mechanization.

Agriculture in the studied region faces a series of challenges and opportunities for improving its practices and ensuring long-term sustainability. The predominance of manual planting, low adoption of technologies, and limited use of soil conservation techniques highlight the need for targeted interventions to promote more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.

In the municipalities studied, we found a low proportion of farmers using soil conservation techniques, highlighting the importance of education programs and technical support focused on adopting practices that protect soil quality and promote more resilient agriculture. In this regard, to address these challenges and seize the identified opportunities, it is essential to implement public policies and rural extension programs that promote access to appropriate agricultural technologies, education on sustainable management, and conservation of natural resources. Combining traditional practices with technological innovations and sustainable management techniques can improve agricultural productivity and ensure environmental preservation and the economic viability of agricultural properties in the region.

Climate change is damaging agricultural production through prolonged flooding, the proliferation of fungi and bacteria, leaching, and unexpected droughts and dry spells. An alternative way to mitigate this is to use natural resources properly. Drawing up a sustainable management plan helps to improve planting practices so that the soil will be in better condition for the development of cultivated vegetation and, consequently, will be more profitable when it comes to harvesting these products. The management plan should be drawn up with the local population, technical professionals, and environmental management. Bringing them together will bring good results and protect the environment.

Technological innovation is also a relevant alternative, especially for large-scale production, as is the case with the communities in Uruçuí, which play a major role in the state’s economy. Rural extension is an alternative that provides technical support for the correct application of agrochemicals, as well as viable and sustainable alternatives, such as bio-inputs and biological control practices, which would allow farmers to improve their production safely, without compromising the health of local ecosystems or the community’s quality of life. These measures can benefit the environment and ensure the economic viability of local agricultural activities, promoting longevity and increased productivity.

The low proportion of farmers using soil conservation techniques underlines the importance of education and technical support programs focused on adopting practices that protect soil quality and promote more resilient agriculture. Therefore, in order to face these challenges and take advantage of the opportunities identified, it is essential to implement public policies and financial incentive programs for rural producers to promote access to appropriate agricultural technologies, education on sustainable management, and the conservation of natural resources.