Empoderando a liderança feminina na agricultura familiar: o papel do PRONAF MULHER no desenvolvimento de unidades agropecuárias no Seridó potiguar (UAs)

Abstract

This study investigated the outcomes of rural credit public policies, particularly the PRONAF MULHER program, in the development of Agricultural Production Units (UPAs) led by women in the Seridó Potiguar region. Family farming, a practice predominantly carried out on small rural properties, has traditionally been led by men. However, in recent years, women have gained greater prominence in this sector. The study highlights the growing participation of women in agribusiness, especially following the creation of policies such as PRONAF MULHER, which aims to facilitate 4 women farmers' access to rural credit. Despite the progress made, women still face challenges, including a lack of knowledge about available financial resources and difficulties in accessing credit. PRONAF MULHER, launched in 2003, sought to overcome these barriers by providing financial support for projects aimed at increasing income in rural properties. Fieldwork conducted with six women in the Seridó Potiguar region, through unstructured interviews, revealed the crucial role of these public policies in empowering women in family farming management. The research also identified persistent challenges faced by women, such as inequality in resource access and marginalization due to gender issues, and discussed proposed solutions to enhance female empowerment in the sector.