Biodiversidade e agroecologia: a experiência de reintrodução do cultivo do algodão no assentamento vida nova no município de Ouro Branco/ Alagoas

Abstract

Between 1930 and 1950, cotton farming was an essential activity for the economy of the municipality of Ouro Branco, in the semi-arid region of Alagoas, whose name originated from this agricultural crop. However, from the 1980s onwards, this activity began to decline due to changes in the global economy and the emergence of new cotton-producing markets, resulting in socioeconomic vulnerability for the local population. In 2016, an experiment to reintroduce cotton in the Vida Nova Settlement, based on agroecology, was conducted with families of farmers settled by the Agrarian Reform. This study investigates the agroecological processes employed in this initiative and their impacts on the socioeconomic conditions of farmers. Literature reviews, field visits and interviews with 17 families were carried out. It is concluded that the reintroduction of cotton requires greater government involvement, continuous technical assistance and effective public policies to ensure economic and environmental viability. Without this support, the potential to generate income and improve the quality of life in the region may be compromised. The success of this initiative depends on an integrated and sustainable strategy.