Faced with the challenge of environmental sustainability of the planet, which requires, in addition to changes in the course of development, changes in the functioning of society and its various activities, it is important for this research to analyze the current situation of sugar cane in small farm settlers and not the village of Boa Vista, in the town of Capela. An activity that is linked to factors not always resulting in good outcomes, such as the subordination that small farmers suffer from the sugarcane industry where they are required to provide their small sugarcane production and the low prices that are not always reliable. The paper analyzes the effects of the constant growth of this activity and its influence on the environment and socio-economic aspect: trying to show the reality of a region Sergipe that has been marked by such activity, and which has stood out increasingly in recent years (re) configuration of the geographical area where this activity creates conflicts between environmental issues and the agrarian question. The aim is to analyze the various relationships between small farmers and settlers, not settlers. That is, to what extent the sugar cane interfere in the dynamics of relationships between small farmers, squatters, and not the settlers, and the power of cane sugar, still thinking of the similarities and differences of the relations of the settlers and not sitting in the relationship these two actors have with the environment in which they give. Small farms that once lived on subsistence agriculture are now also being influenced by this activity, whether it represents an alternative form of income for small farmers, or representing an activity which is unsustainable in the social and environmental. The various relationships presented in this study demonstrate the difficulties faced by small farmers in the villages Boa Vista, to maintain their cultures, mainly from cane sugar, while many small farmers reported some satisfaction in the results of their crops. / Frente ao grande desafio da sustentabilidade ambiental do planeta, que requer, além de mudanças nos rumos do desenvolvimento, mudanças no funcionamento da sociedade, e de suas diversas atividades, tornou-se importante para esta pesquisa analisar qual a situação atual da atividade canavieira em pequenas propriedades de agricultores assentados e não assentados do Povoado Boa Vista, no município de Capela. Uma atividade que está ligada a fatores que nem sempre resultam em bons resultados, como por exemplo, a subordinação que os pequenos agricultores sofrem pela indústria canavieira onde são obrigado a fornecer a sua pequena produção de cana à preços baixos e que nem sempre são confiáveis. O trabalho procura analisar os efeitos do crescimento constante desta atividade e sua influência no meio ambiente e no aspecto sócio-econômico, buscando mostrar a realidade de uma região sergipana que sempre foi marcada por tal atividade e que vem se destacando cada vez mais nos últimos anos na (re)configuração do espaço geográfico, onde essa atividade cria conflitos entre a questão ambiental e a questão agrária. Procura-se analisar as distintas relações entre pequenos agricultores assentados e não assentados. Ou seja, até que ponto a atividade canavieira interfere na dinâmica das relações entre os pequenos agricultores, assentados e não assentados, e as usinas de cana-de-açúcar, pensando ainda nas semelhanças e diferenças das relações de assentados e não assentados na relação que estes dois atores têm com o meio ambiente em que estas se dão. As pequenas propriedades que antes viviam da agricultura de subsistência passam agora também a serem influenciadas por essa atividade, seja ela representando uma forma alternativa de renda para o pequeno agricultor, ou representando uma atividade insustentável do ponto de vista sócio-ambiental. As distintas relações apresentadas neste trabalho reforçam as dificuldades enfrentadas pelos pequenos agricultores do povoado Boa Vista, em manter suas culturas, principalmente da cana-de-açúcar, apesar de muitos dos pequenos agricultores relataram alguma satisfação nos resultados de suas colheitas.

Rural agro-industry gives added value to peasant’s agricultural production. In Peru, many small farmers from highland areas are linked in this activity as a means of subsistence. These farmers, since ancient times, have performed all their field activities in balance with nature. In fact, the rural agribusiness has mostly been developed under agroecological principles. The main objective of this thesis the description of the characteristics of rural agribusiness and how this activity based on agroecology contributes to the conservation of the environment in the highland areas of Peru. The situation of rural agribusiness is reviewed from the global and local context of organic agriculture. It has also been taken the region of Lurin River Basin as a case study, where environmental, productive, marketing and institutional characteristics are described. Moreover, a study of the current and future situation using the scenario methods, and an analysis of sustainability is carried out for an organic farmers’ organization called “Association of Ecological Producers of the Lurin River Basin ‘Monticielo’”. Results of this thesis indicate that rural agribusiness in highland areas of Peru, specifically in the Lurin River Basin, is crucial sector it contributes to food security and generating income for rural families, conserve biodiversity and farmers` traditional knowledge has been used to address emerging issues of climate change. However, the main problems facing small producers are productivity, technology, marketing and organization.In the scenario analysis it has been identified that "Organic-point of sale" scenario can become a marketing point of eco-business efficiently, which could increase sales and improve the quality of life for farmers and for the environmental conservation. In conclusion, being closely linked to ecological farming practices, rural agribusiness is an important tool that contributes to the welfare of rural small farmers and environmental conservation.

Rural agro-industry gives added value to peasant‟s agricultural production. In Peru, many small farmers from highland areas are linked in this activity as a means of subsistence. These farmers, since ancient times, have performed all their field activities in balance with nature. In fact, the rural agribusiness has mostly been developed under agroecological principles. The main objective of this thesis the description of the characteristics of rural agribusiness and how this activity based on agroecology contributes to the conservation of the environment in the highland areas of Peru. The situation of rural agribusiness is reviewed from the global and local context of organic agriculture. It has also been taken the region of Lurin River Basin as a case study, where environmental, productive, marketing and institutional characteristics are described. Moreover, a study of the current and future situation using the scenario methods, and an analysis of sustainability is carried out for an organic farmers‟ organization called “Association of Ecological Producers of the Lurin River Basin „Monticielo‟”. Results of this thesis indicate that rural agribusiness in highland areas of Peru, specifically in the Lurin River Basin, is crucial sector it contributes to food security and generating income for rural families, conserve biodiversity and farmers` traditional knowledge has been used to address emerging issues of climate change. However, the main problems facing small producers are productivity, technology, marketing and organization. In the scenario analysis it has been identified that "Organic-point of sale" scenario can become a marketing point of eco-business efficiently, which could increase sales and improve the quality of life for farmers and for the environmental conservation. In conclusion, being closely linked to ecological farming practices, rural agribusiness is an important tool that contributes to the welfare of rural small farmers and environmental conservation. / www.ima,kth.se

Prior research has concluded that climate change is having an overall negative impact on rice production worldwide. The vast majority of climate change impacts on rice production result from fluctuations in precipitation and temperature, which lead to flooding, water scarcity, and increases in insects and pests, diseases, and weeds. As a small developing country, Guyana is highly vulnerable to climate change despite its insignificant contribution to global warming. Guyana heavily relies on rice cultivation for food, employment, and export earnings. While generally increasing, rice yields have fluctuated over the last two decades. For example, in 2016, rice yields declined by 12.7 percent due to a drought. This dissertation explores the relationship between fluctuating yields and climate change, and how farmers are adapting. Of particular importance are the impacts of climate change on small farmers (those cultivating less than 4.45 hectares or 11 acres) and their ability to successfully adapt. Small farmers are especially vulnerable to a changing climate because they often lack the necessary knowledge, support, and resources to effectively respond and adapt. Given the large percentage of rice farmers engaging in small-scale production in Guyana, this study investigates the impacts of climate variability on rice production and the extent to which the production and productivity of small farmers are affected. It also identifies the coping strategies small farmers employ to combat the effects of climate change and the extent to which these strategies are successful. Given that climate change is expected to vary across different regions of the world, the first aim of this study is to show how the climate in Guyana has changed. At the country level, evidence from descriptive statistics, a linear trend model, and a two-sample t-test shows that minimum and maximum temperatures have increased over the last 111 years. The aggregate data is less clear on changes in precipitation over the last 111 years. However, analysis of farm-level data provides strong evidence of shifts in rainfall patterns. Among 189 small farmers interviewed, 182 (96.3%) perceived changes in rainfall patterns, 170 (89.9%) perceived changes in temperature, 169 (89.4%) perceived changes in extreme weather events, 185 (97.9%) perceived changes in insects and pests, 73 (38.6%) perceived changes in diseases, and 168 (88.9%) perceived changes in weeds. Changes in precipitation have included an increase in intensity and out of season rainfall, which has impacted harvesting due to poor dams, wet fields, and the lodging of plants. The primary responses farmers have adopted include adjusting planting dates based on water availability and the cultivation of different rice varieties. Changes in temperature have resulted in hotter days, accelerating the evaporation of water from fields. In response, farmers replenish water in their fields, when available. Excess rainfall and resulting flooding, drought, and heavy winds have been the primary extreme weather events observed. Excess rainfall and associated flooding submerges, uproots, and/or kills young plants. The lodging of plants due to heavy winds and flooding has been the main impact. In response to flooding, farmers have pumped water out of their fields. There is very little that farmers can do in response to heavy winds. The primary change in insects and pests reported by farmers has been an increase in paddy bug infestations, which cause damage to the grains resulting in lower quality and quantity at harvest. As a result, farmers are engaging in more preventative spraying. An increase in brown spot disease was also reported. Brown spots are primarily found on the leaves, damaging and/or stunting the growth of the plants by reducing the amount of food they manufacture through photosynthesis. Farmers have responded by engaging in preventative spraying and the rotation of fungicides. Increases in red rice and duckweed have been the major changes in weeds observed. Both weeds compete with rice for space, sunlight, nutrients, and water. Additionally, red rice reduces the quality and by extension the price farmers receive. Farmers are responding by spraying more herbicide and using a contact chemical to burn red rice. Multivariate analysis of farm-level data found that land tenure, tractor ownership, membership in an agricultural organization(s), secondary non-agricultural income, and farms located in regions two and four have positive correlations with annual yields. Perceived changes in rainfall, farm size, livestock ownership, participation in rice extension training, and household members help with rice farming were found to have negative correlations with annual yields. Policy recommendations to improve rice production and farmers' resilience include improving research and development capacity; tax exemption for agricultural inputs and equipment; improving extension services; improving the management of irrigation systems and water resources; enhanced access to credit, insurance, and subsidies; improving weather forecasting and climate monitoring; and improving the management of drainage infrastructure. The analytical framework used in this research produced a rich dataset and interesting results that are important to our understanding of farm-level impacts and responses to climate change. As such, it may prove useful for studying climate change impacts in other developing countries that have similar characteristics and face similar risks from climate change as Guyana. / Doctor of Philosophy / The vast majority of climate change impacts on rice production result from variations in rainfall and temperature that lead to flooding, water shortage, and increases in insects and pests, diseases, and weeds. Guyana is highly exposed to climate change. More importantly, the country relies heavily on rice farming for food, employment, and foreign income. Of particular importance are the impacts of climate change on small farmers (growing less than 4.45 hectares) and their ability to successfully adapt. Small farmers are especially helpless because they often lack the necessary knowledge, support, and resources to effectively respond and adapt. Given the large percentage of rice farmers engaged in small-scale production in Guyana, this study explores the impacts of climate variability on rice production and the extent to which the production and output of small farmers are affected. Analysis of farm-level data shows that changes in rainfall have included an increase in intensity and out of season rainfall which has affected harvesting due to poor farm-to market roads, wet fields, and lodging of plants. The main responses involved adjusting planting dates based on water availability and the cultivation of different rice varieties. Changes in temperature resulted in hotter days which increased the loss of water from the field. In response, farmers replenish water in their fields, when available. Excess rainfall and resulting flooding, drought, and heavy winds have been the main extreme weather events observed. Excess rainfall and associated flooding submerges, uproots, and/or kills young plants. The lodging of plants due to heavy winds and flooding has been the main impact. In response to flooding, farmers have pumped water out of their fields. There is very little that farmers can do in response to heavy winds. An increase in paddy bug infestations damaged the grains resulting in lower grain quality while an increase in red rice and duckweed increased the competition for space, sunlight, nutrients, and water. Farmers engaged in more defensive spraying and used a contact chemical to burn red rice.

The challenge of balancing food production, ecosystem services (ESs) and biodiversity conservation evidences the disruption of the present agri-food system. This demands a social-ecological system transformation. For this, the replacement of conventional agricultural practices to agroecological ones has been suggested, since these practices could provide ESs provision, which agriculture and human life are dependent on, and a permeable matrix, which is indispensable for biodiversity conservation. However, the food production activity also needs to afford small farmers livelihood, otherwise, they will not be interested in taking part of this transition. In view of this, the present dissertation has the objective of analyzing agroecology as a proposal to provide farmers livelihood, generate ESs and contribute for biodiversity conservation, integrally. In order to reach the objective proposed, we selected the case study of Santa Rosa de Lima (SRL), located in Santa Catarina (SC) state, which is inserted in area of Atlantic Forest (AF), in Southern Brazil. This municipality has many dairy farmers associated with AF. AF is globally recognized as a priority biome for biodiversity conservation, due to its rich biodiversity and current level of degradation. Furthermore, the biome provides diverse ESs. Dairy activity has been extensively referred as a major driver of AF deforestation, on other hand, dairy activity is of relevance for the state economy and farmers livelihood. Due to the referred, it was brought to SC a potential agroecological and sustainable intensification (SI) dairy system, the management intensive grazing (MIG) system. The hypothesis was that the implementation of this system has potential to increase dairy profitability, reduce reliance on off-farm inputs, provide ESs and decrease pressure on remaining forest. Additionally, by increasing stocking rate and milk yields, farmers may be able to retire land from production to conservation without suffering an economic loss. To analyze the results of MIG implementation in SRL, as an agroeological system with potential to balance economic and ecological goals, we compared social, ecological and economic data of farmers applying MIG and farmers applying conventional systems. These data were collected through farmers interview and an accounting project conducted in the city during one year. As first research result, we found that MIG is still in process to become considered an agroecological system. Therefore, we analyzed this process of transformation through the lenses of social theories for social-ecological system transformation. In summary, our results has showed that MIG is more profitable than conventional systems, have increased land efficiency and showed signs of environmental improvements, however, still needs progresses to become an agroecological and sustainable intensification system. This process of transition has already started in SRL, since, among the mentioned and other evidences, MIG has gradually reduced the use of environmentally damaging inputs and farmers has showed to be more prone to meet environmental law. Our results also indicate social learning as indispensable, and financial capital as necessary to foment the process of transformation. To introduce both in the process, Participatory Processes and Payment for Ecosystem Services are advocated as suitable tools. / O desafio de equilibrar produção de alimentos, provisão de serviços ecossistêmicos (SEs) e conservação da biodiversidade evidencia a ruptura do sistema agroalimentar em vigor. Esta transição demanda uma transformação do sistema social-ecológico. Para isto, a substituição de práticas convencionais por práticas agroecológicas tem sido proposta, uma vez que estas geram SEs, do qual a agricultura e a vida humana são dependentes, e uma matriz permeável, que é indispensável para conservação da biodiversidade. Entretanto, a atividade de produção de alimentos também deve ser pensada no sentido de garantir a subsistência de pequenos produtores rurais, caso contrário, eles não apresentarão interesse em participar desta transição. Devido a isto, a presente tese tem por objetivo analisar a agroecologia como uma proposta para a subsistência de agricultores, a geração de SEs e contribuição na conservação da biodiversidade, integradamente. Para alcançar o objetivo proposto, foi selecionado um estudo de caso localizado em Santa Rosa de Lima (SRL), no estado de Santa Catarina (SC), em área de Mata Atlântica (MA), na região sul do Brasil. Este município possui vários produtores rurais associados à MA. A MA é globalmente reconhecida como um bioma prioritário para conservação da biodiversidade, devido a sua rica biodiversidade e estágio atual de degradação. Além do mais, o bioma oferece diversos SEs. A atividade de produção de leite tem sido recorrentemente referida como uma das principais causas de desmatamento de MA, por outro lado, esta atividade é de relevância para a economia do estado e subsistência de produtores rurais. Devido ao exposto, foi trazido para SC um sistema de produção de leite com potencial para ser agroecológico e de intensificação sustentável (IS), o sistema de Manejo Intensivo de Pastagem (MIP). A hipótese inicial consistia em que a implementação deste sistema tem o potencial de aumentar a lucratividade da atividade, reduzir a dependência de insumos externos à propriedade, gerar SEs e diminuir a pressão sobre os remanescentes florestais. Adicionalmente, através do aumento da taxa de estocagem e produção de leite, produtores podem estar aptos a separar terra, antes dedicada para a atividade, para conservação, sem sofrer perda econômica. Para analisar os resultados da implementação do MIP em SRL, como um sistema agroecológico com potencial para equilibrar metas econômicas e ecológicas, nós comparamos dados sociais, ecológicos e econômicos entre produtores que adotam MIP e produtores que adotam sistemas convencionais. Estes dados foram coletados através de entrevistas e um projeto contábil realizado na cidade durante um ano. Como primeiro resultado, nós diagnosticamos que o MIP está ainda em processo de tornar-se agroecológico. Entretanto, nós analisamos este processo de transformação através das lentes da teorias sociais. Em síntese, nossos resultados mostraram que o MIP é mais lucrativo, tem aumentado eficiência no uso da terra e tem mostrado sinais de melhoras ambientais, mas ainda necessita progressos para tornar-se um sistema agroecológico e de intensificação sustentável. Este processo de transição já tem se iniciado em SRL, uma vez que, além de outras evidencias e as já mencionadas, MIP tem reduzido gradativamente o uso de insumos danosos ao ambiente, e produtores tem se apresentado mais inclinados a atender a legislação ambiental. Nossos resultados também indicaram aprendizagem social como indispensável, e capital financeiro como necessário ao fomento do processo de transformação. Para a introdução de ambos no processo, Ações Participativas e Pagamentos por Serviços Ecossistêmicos são entendidos como ferramentas adequadas.

Cette thèse d’Études rurales en Géographie-Environnement est consacrée à l’ «insertion de la caféiculture dans les structures de production en Guinée Forestière». Introduite dans les systèmes de production paysans par les colons entre 1902 et 1920, la caféiculture a évolué sous l’influence des contextes socioéconomiques, politiques et démographiques variés. Sa dynamique spatiale se présente comme un paradoxe. Les superficies de cultures pérennes à base du café augmentent en effet au détriment des cultures vivrières à base du riz, cependant les rendements et revenus de ces plantations (désormais individuelles) restent généralement faibles. La reconversion de ces parcelles de café en d’autres systèmes de cultures pérennes ou vivrières est rare . Or, il existe d’autres cultures (le palmier à huile amélioré, l’hévéa etc.) plus rentables aujourd’hui que le caféier. Les ressources foncières s’amenuisent dans un contexte de forte croissance de la population régionale qui se situe à 4,3% par an contre 3,1% pour le pays. Cette population vit essentiellement d’une agriculture extensive. L’insécurité foncière s’accroît à travers des conflits complexes parce que l’application en milieu rural du code foncier moderne promulgué en 1992 reste encore limitée. Ainsi, en vue de maximiser la rentabilité des parcelles, les paysans privilégient la polyculture sur les coteaux, en association avec le café. Pour les jeunes, ce choix s’inscrit souvent dans le cadre du processus de leur autonomisation. Cette thèse montre qu’au-delà de sa rentabilité économique, c’est surtout le besoin de sécurisation foncière qui détermine le choix de la culture caféière par la plupart des paysans. / This thesis on Geography-environment deals with "the integration of coffee cultivation in the production structure of Guinée Forestière". Coffee was introduced in the peasant production system by colonial powers between 1902 and 1920, coffee cultivation evolved under the influenced of various socio-economical and demographical situations. Its spatial evolution is a paradox. The perennial area with coffee increases at the detriment of food staffs like rice meanwhile, coffee yards and profits are generally low. Nevertheless densification to other perennial or food crops is rare. However there exist other profitable products like refined palm oil and rubber. Land resources are getting smaller as a result of high regional population growth (4.3% per year while it is 3,1% for the rest of the country). The population mainly depends on extensive agriculture. Land insecurity increases through complex conflicts because the implementation of the modern land code in rural areas is low although it was promulgated in 1992. Thus, farmers favour mixed cropping on slopes associated with coffee in order to maximize their income. For the youths, this choice is a part of their independent process. This thesis shows that the need of land security is more decisive for choosing coffee growing, than its economic profitability.

Although there were numerous leadership development programs throughout the country, most ignored the small producers located throughout the south. In order to address the needs of these traditionally underserved individuals, the “National Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute” was created to address the concerns of small farmers in rural communities. This research specifically targeted the effectiveness of leadership development over a period by exploring the factors that motivate the program participants to enhance their leadership skills and the ability to transform that motivation into effective leadership. The group involved in this study is a convenience population of small farmers and ranchers from across the Southern United States, who graduated from the National Small Farm Leadership Institute. These participants represent 2 graduating classes from 2007 and 2009. A retrospective post survey methodology was used to conduct this study. The instrument is divided into a knowledge base before they took the program (pre) and a retrospective post assessment. Each of the questions allowed the participants to rate their ability on a 5 point Likert-Type scale. The responses ranged from 1 to 5 with the following responses Very Poor, Poor, Fair, Good and Very Good. The survey research examined four educational constructs that were covered during the leadership development program. These were Leadership Skill Development, Leadership Theory, Agricultural Skill enhancement and the Transformation of their leadership skills. Through analysis of the four educational constructs the research reveals substantial increases in knowledge and skills such as Group Problem Solving, Consensus Building, Team Building, Group Decision Making and Obtaining information to help in decision making. Participants were definitely found to have increased their leadership skills through teaching of Leadership Philosophy, linkages to Federal and agricultural resources, the appreciation of different styles of leadership and awareness of agricultural policy issues. The study revealed that in each of the four educational construct areas of the National Small Farm Leadership Institute that there were substantial increases in knowledge and changes in behavior such as: understanding and explaining personal leadership philosophy, increased awareness of Agricultural Policy Issues and transferring the leadership back to the community.

Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2008. / Full text also available online. Scroll down for electronic link.

Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2008. / Full text also available online. Scroll down for electronic link.

Submitted by Alison Vanceto (alison-vanceto@hotmail.com) on 2017-06-12T20:08:45Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DissVTF.pdf: 2996003 bytes, checksum: df7fd0d2b9faecb60f8e38ecf3f67538 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ronildo Prado (ronisp@ufscar.br) on 2017-06-19T20:23:40Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DissVTF.pdf: 2996003 bytes, checksum: df7fd0d2b9faecb60f8e38ecf3f67538 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ronildo Prado (ronisp@ufscar.br) on 2017-06-19T20:23:46Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DissVTF.pdf: 2996003 bytes, checksum: df7fd0d2b9faecb60f8e38ecf3f67538 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-06-27T14:12:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DissVTF.pdf: 2996003 bytes, checksum: df7fd0d2b9faecb60f8e38ecf3f67538 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-04-06 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / The hydroelectric projects in Brazil are marked by an assumption of progress and national development that runs simultaneously with a territorial expansion of areas destinated to many economic activities such as agriculture, livestock and mineral extraction. In many biomes and watersheds we have recent clashes between the expansionist developmental logic with the environmental issues and the traditional peoples. In this context that Small Hydroelectric Power Plants (SHP) from the rio Branco basin (RO), which since 1993 continue multiplying along that river. Because these are smaller projects – dams that generates below than 30MW – they don‘t need a study of environmental impacts and so, the impacted people remain vulnerable to impacts that were not formally predicted. This thesis takes as it‘s starting point the process of bulding these hydroeletrics projects and their impacts on the region‘s population. It aims to describe about the process of clashes and struggle by the indigenous people and small farmers, as well their perspectives to the changes that occured from the construction of the dams. The research took place in diferentes etnographic places: i) reading the legal process in the Ministério Público Federal ii) with the indigenous people, in the Terra Indigena Rio Branco; and iii) with the farmers, most of them, linked to the Movimento dos Pequenos Agricultores (MPA); and in so many other intersections in my path research. / Os projetos hidrelétricos no Brasil estão marcados por uma suposição de progresso e desenvolvimento nacional que corre simultaneamente com uma expansão territorial das áreas destinadas a várias atividades econômicas como a agricultura, a pecuária e a extração de minérios. Em diversos biomas e bacias hidrográficas tivemos embates recentes entre a lógica expansionista e desenvolvimentista com a questão ambiental e os povos tradicionais. Nesse contexto se inserem as Pequenas Centrais Hidrelétricas da bacia do rio Branco (RO), que desde 1993 seguem se multiplicando ao longo desse rio. Por se tratarem de empreendimentos de menor porte – barragens que geram até no máximo 30 MW – não é exigido para a construção de PCHs estudos de impacto ambiental (EIA/RIMA), e, portanto, a população atingida fica vulnerável a impactos que não foram previstos formalmente. Essa dissertação toma como ponto de partida a construção desses empreendimentos hidrelétricos e seus impactos sobre a população da região. Pretende descrever acerca dos processos de enfrentamento e luta por parte dos indígenas e pequenos agricultores, bem como suas perspectivas a respeito das mudanças ocorridas a partir da construção das barragens. A pesquisa se desenvolveu em diferentes espaços etnográficos: i)no levantamento de dados do Processo no Ministério Público Federal; ii) junto aos indígenas da Terra Indígena Rio Branco; e iii) juntos aos agricultores, em sua maioria, ligados ao Movimento dos Pequenos Agricultores (MPA); e em tantas outras intersecções no meu trajeto de pesquisa.