DIAGNÓSTICO SOCIAL NA CAPRINOCULTURA FAMILIAR DO PIAUÍ REVELADO PELO INQUERITO DE USO DE ANIMAIS LOCAIS

Abstract

The small animal production is usually a food guarantee activity for the Brazilian semi-arid zone. In this sense, the objective was to diagnose the homogeneity of the socioeconomic dimension, using as an associative indicator the presence of goats of local origin, in the state of Piauí, Brazil. An active search for Nambi goats (a popular local type) assigning those goats with flexible cartilage smaller than 8.0 cm founding samples through five regions. A structured interview, focused on the Nambi breeders, totalizing 56 interviews. Cross-tabulation of data with independent occurrence between variableswas tested by Person chi-square analysis. The Nambi presence indicator made it possible to make a social diagnosis of family goat farming in two structured groups: (1) the agricultural sector as the only economic activity to support the family, making up 55% of establishments; (2) agricultural sector and other main activity not related to the rural, corresponding to 45% of establishments. Profile (1) presented less school education, less use of hiring temporary work and more difficulties with infrastructure (electricity/water) when compared to profile (2). Regarding technical issues, profile (1) showed greater dependence on native pasture, pointing out the field tradition as the main advantage of goat farming. There was no difference between the profiles regarding the area of land dedicated to the activity and the size of the herd. In the technical part, there was no difference regarding the main animal production practices. However, the use of supplementation (grains) feed and cultivated pastures was superior in the profile (2). The main advantage of the activity for profile (2) was economic security. In conclusion, we find evidences that there are two social profiles in family goat farming in semi-arid region of Piauí.