Análisis de los alcances del Programa Ñepytyvo en la agricultura familiar de Santa Rosa de Lima, Paraguay

The development of family farming in Santa Rosa de Lima (Misiones, Paraguay) depends, largely, on the implementation of agrarian policies adapted to the current needs of this sector. Under this premise, the Ñepytyvo Program was carried out since 2003, an initiative that emerged jointly between producers and the Departmental Government focusing on expanding access to the mechanization of production processes. The basic objective was to ensure the preparation of the soil for family farms, as well as other government benefits that were added throughout its implementation – such as the soil reclamation project, and the breeding of small farm animals such as poultry and pigs. Despite its achievements, it would be worth asking: What do beneficiary families think about this program? Are they satisfied with the attention provided by the State? The purpose of this research was to find answers to this question(s), as well as to know the working conditions of the families. The empirical basis of the study resulted from the application of in-depth interviews for public authorities, and seventy surveys to a probability sample of 70 rural families, with a semi-structured questionnaire of open and closed questions for rural families. The data highlighted that currently only 30% of family farmers surveyed are fully satisfied. The biggest drawback, for most growers, is that jobs are not done at the right time. The producers allege that technical support is imperative to control the production activities, and that the mechanization tasks are focused on the reclamation of soils and the provision of machines, equipment and tools, in order to increase their level of autonomy. In addition, they consider that expanding the agreement between EBY-Government-MAG in necessary, in order to provide producers with low-power tractors with their implements and offer technical support to organized family groups.