Analysis of the social, economic and environmental impact of Agroforestry Systems (SAFs) implemented in federal rural settlements in the state of São Paulo

Abstract

This post-doctoral research project aims to carry out a social, economic and environmental impact analysis of the Agroforestry Systems (SAFs) implemented by the Sustainable Rural Development Program (PDRS) in federal rural settlements in the state of São Paulo. The objective is to identify the effects and benefits achieved by land reform settlers as a result of the implementation of SAFs, as well as the factors that increased the probability to continue with agroforestry management, given the fact that a significant number of SAFs have been abandoned. The initial scope of the research is 15 rural settlements in different regions of the state of São Paulo. To collect social, economic and environmental data, structured interviews and on-site technical visits will be carried out. In addition, focus groups will be conducted in order to capture the stage of performance of the SAFs in each settlement. The methodology for analyzing the impact of the SAFs consists of using two statistical methods, Propensity Score Matching and Difference in Differences, and a participatory construction of sustainability indicators.