GEOENVIRONMENTAL AND DYNAMIC CONFIGURATION OF THE CURRENT AGRARIAN SPACE IN THE PARAÍBA SWAMP, PARAÍBA, BRAZIL

Abstract

This research aims to present a geoenvironmental confi guration of Brejo Paraibano (BP) and discuss the current dynamics of its agrarian space, based on a qualitative and quantitative analysis, using the Geographic Information System (GIS) and fi eld survey. The BP is composed of the highlands of the Borborema Plateau eastern portion, comprising eight municipalities. The lands are drained by the Mamanguape River basin, receive the humid winds from the southeast that provide higher levels of precipitation, lower temperatures and the development of forest, savanna and countryside formations in soils of the type Argisols, Neossols, Luvisols and Nitosols, predominantly. It has a history of struggle for land, which resulted in the formation of 44 rural settlements, but farmers still need technical guidance for the production and commercialization of their products. The trade union organisation is relevant, however, there is a dependence on public policies for the eff ectiveness of agrarian reform.