Desafios à reprodução social do campesinato diante dos impactos socioambientais dos monocultivos de cana-de-açúcar e eucalipto em Japoatã/SE

Abstract

The peasantry, as a historical subject, is a guardian of sustainable practices that confront the social and ecological limits of commercial agriculture. However, both the individual, his or her family, and his or her way of life and social reproduction constantly face multiple challenges. In this research, we highlight the expansion of sugarcane and eucalyptus monocultures in the Ladeirinhas "A" area, in the municipality of Japoatã, Sergipe. Sugarcane monoculture causes a decrease in biodiversity and soil, air, and water pollution due to the use of pesticides. Eucalyptus monoculture reduces fauna and flora and also creates the risk of water scarcity due to high water consumption. Therefore, they generate impacts on the peasantry and the environment. Thus, the overall objective is to analyze the expansion of monocultures and their impacts on the environment and the socio-spatial reproduction of peasants in Japoatã, Sergipe. It also analyzes the socio-spatial changes resulting from monocultures in peasant life and socio-spatial reproduction; identifies the elements that demonstrate the socio-environmental importance of the peasant way of life in Japoatã; and reflects on possibilities for peasant empowerment in the municipality. To this end, a case study was conducted using Hermeneutic Phenomenology. We developed the theoretical framework, followed by documentary research and data collection at the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Based on data collection, the results were the spatialization of objective reality through the creation of maps of Ladeirinhas "A". Field research employed observation techniques, field notebooks, photographic records, and interviews. The territorial expansion of the monocultures studied and the contraction of polycultures were observed. At the same time, the research highlights the socio-spatial importance of Japoatã peasant agricultural practices as a mode of production and a means of maintaining the ecosystem and life in line with the SDGs, despite the lack of effective public policies for this social segment and the environment.