Cultura e sustentabilidade, um estudo sobre agricultores familiares descendentes hunsriqueanos, alemães e europeus

Abstract

Cultural traditions of German origin, brought by European immigrants, have significantly influenced sustainable rural development in Brazil. In this context, this study aimed to analyze how the culture and identity-related elements of German and European immigrants contributed to addressing sustainability issues within the practices adopted by pioneering family farming households in the rural communities of Marechal Cândido Rondon. The research involved visits to rural properties, utilizing a questionnaire as a data collection tool to support the analysis. The results revealed that, upon settling in rural areas, European descendants had to adapt to local conditions by developing self-sufficient agricultural production practices. Furthermore, they brought with them tools, technical knowledge, and methods geared toward the mechanization of production, thereby contributing to the improvement of agricultural activities. Consequently, it is evident that family farming is essential for the region's cultural, social, and environmental preservation—a fact that necessitates public policies to ensure its continuity and foster sustainable rural development.