Potencialidades e limites de revitalização de uma microbacia do município de Bambuí-MG

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to analyze the main limitations and potential social, economic and environmental impacts of micro watershed São Pedro e Araras in the county of Bambuí, Minas Gerais state, identifying possible alternatives to this revitalization. In order to achieve this purpose it was performed an exploratory and descriptive case study. Data collection was through the application of semi-structured questionnaire to 70 producers in the watershed domain. It was found that, according to the producers, the most environmental favorable factors were water balance and soil fertility; the main social potentialities were the confidence relation of the community and the favorable location; and the most economic favorable factors were milk production as a source of income and well-developed agriculture and animal husbandry in the micro watershed. In view of the producers the limiting social factors were linked mainly to road conditions and lack of support to small producers (technical assistance, information on public policy). Economically, the most limiting the most limiting factors pointed out were milk price and manpower scarcity in the watershed. Environmental factors were less limiting, it was found that the irregular rainfall and poor soils in the south part of the watershed were the most limiting factors according to the producers point of view. It is possible, therefore, to point out some alternatives to the revitalization of this watershed. The main social actions that should be undertaken are keeping roads in good conditions and providing technical assistance to producers through the public institutions. Environmentally, it is essential to recover the Permanent Preservation Areas (APP), which can be encouraged through Payments for Environmental Services, in addition, it is essential to promote the conservation of soil by constructing small dams in areas most vulnerable to erosion and environmental awareness should be the basis for any alternative adopted. The main economic alternative suggested is the association of producers on the supply chains of the products they produce. This alternative takes advantage of strong social capital present in the watershed community and ensures a better bargaining power for the local products.