A space for reflection is opened with the book "Sustenta: (In)sustainable", which reveals how a government program, despite its good intentions, has exacerbated social inequalities among farmers.
Written by João Mosca, Nelson Capiana, and Yara Nova, the book offers a critical analysis that challenges the official narrative, raising essential questions about food security and the real impact of the "Sustenta" program on rural communities.
It brings to the forefront a discussion about a program launched in 2017 by the government, which, according to the authors, may have worsened social inequalities among farmers, benefiting medium-sized producers at the expense of small ones.
João Mosca warned that this dynamic could increase social differences and generate instability. He also noted that farmers have shifted their focus more towards production for sale, rather than solely for personal consumption, which could jeopardize food security in some regions.
Although there has been an increase in the production of commercial crops such as sesame, soy, and corn, the production of food crops has decreased.
"The more prosperous producers are using part of their earnings to buy food from the market. This raises the question: can food security be ensured solely through self-production?" Mosca asks, emphasizing that dependence on the market could weaken food security.
(By Renaldo Manhice)
