Informal institutions, social capital and effective development in family farming: the case of Mato Grosso do Sul

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the importance of informal institutions and social capital in the development of family agriculture specifically in Mato Grosso do Sul state. Therefore, we selected a sample consisting of seven rural settlements, a glebe association and a colony of producers of organic products, thus composing a multiple case study. The results indicated a low standard of economic and social development in part of the rural settlements located in this state. However, it was found that Gleba Santa Terezinha, considered in this survey as a success for family-based agriculture, has a distinct reality compared with the settlements. That is, its producers are not in debt and have a productive infrastructure operant and profitable, capable of generating enough income to meet their needs and provide a good standard of living. Along these lines, we used the comparison between the cases to understand how and why the conventions and social capital are important for the effective development of family farming. In conclusion, this paper proposes a conceptual and empirical model that focuses on a set of economic and social relations considered essential for the sustainable integration of family farmers in local markets and in society as a whole.