A decisão de participar da sucessão rural sob a ótica do discente de graduação.

Abstract

This study addresses the theme of rural succession, understood as a gradual process in which the successor assumes the management of the property. It also considers the relevance of family farming, responsible for the production of basic foods and food security in Brazil. The objective is to analyze the decision to participate in rural succession by undergraduate students from a public higher education institution located in the Ivinhema Valley – MS, identifying the main factors that influence this choice, through qualitative, descriptive research, with five semi-structured interviews weighted using content analysis techniques, conducted with rural successors. The research findings indicate that, for most of the interviewees, family dialogue about succession is still limited, which compromises the clarity in planning the continuity of the property. Among young people, the main attractions of life in the countryside are related to a higher quality of life and autonomy, highlighted by the absence of a boss. Conversely, long working hours, the lack of vacations and free weekends were perceived as negative aspects. The inheritance of the land, although present, proved insufficient to guarantee permanence, with financial return being identified as the true motivator. Low profitability, coupled with disinterest in rural life, was among the main reasons for leaving. Factors such as lack of technology, scarcity of opportunities, the pursuit of leisure, and the depreciative social view of rural areas, often associated with uneducated people, were also mentioned. These elements offer relevant contributions to the academic literature and can help both families and educational institutions to understand and face the challenges of rural succession.