Agroamigo's Targeted Microcredit: an analysis of rural development initiatives in the high hinterland of Sergipe and Alagoas

Abstract

Historically, so-called financial services have never been a matter of interest for the poorest populations. However, in 1995, the Programa Nacional de Fortalecimiento de la Agricultura Familiar (PRONAF, National Program for Strengthening Family Farming) emerged, operating as a rural-based credit policy aimed at family farmers. Therefore, this article seeks to analyze how the financing policies of Agroamigo – through PRONAF – impacted on the development of rural territories in the high hinterland of Sergipe and Alagoas. From this perspective, a brief regional analysis will be carried out. To this end, the Northeast region was used as an empirical-analytical basis, with emphasis on the states of Sergipe and Alagoas. Furthermore, it is necessary to add that, even with its limitations, the volume of credit granted has an impact on the reality of these territories. Nevertheless, it is important to highlight the public policies of income transfer (such as Bolsa Família), which jointly complement these transformations and expand the possibilities for the reproduction of rural families.