Integrating sustainability and productivity: The role of public policies in Brazilian family farming

Abstract

Family farming plays a crucial role in food security and sustainability, but faces challenges related to productivity and access to effective public policies. This study examines how internal resources, sustainable practices, and public policies—specifically credit and technical assistance—influence productivity in Brazilian family farming, grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV), Stakeholder Theory, and Contingency Theory. Using regression models applied to agricultural census data, four hypotheses regarding the interaction of these factors were tested. Results indicate that internal resources, such as land ownership and higher education levels, positively affect productivity, while sustainable practices like organic fertilization and forest planting provide benefits but reveal trade-offs, such as challenges in the absence of pesticides. The National Program for Strengthening Family Farming (PRONAF) consistently promoted productive and conservationist practices, whereas rural extension services (ATER) exhibited limitations, particularly in areas requiring greater technical specialization. The interaction between public policies and internal resources proved essential for maximizing productive efficiency. The study concludes that integrated public policies combining agricultural credit and specialized technical assistance are vital for aligning productivity and sustainability. This research connects established theories with agricultural practices, offering recommendations for public policy improvement and future directions to strengthen family farming.