Principal factors of family farmers resistance to the use of the “colonião” grass (Panicum maximum Jacq) in agroforestry systems

Abstract

This article analyzes the factors influencing the resistance of the agricultures to use grass
species Panicum maximum Jacq in agroforestry systems. Supported by the participant observation,
the research was done together with family farmers of the rural settlement Sepé
Tiarajú –region of Ribeirão Preto(SP) – during the execution of the agroforestry implantation
project with 35 families. In this settlement there is a high incidence of the Panicum grass,
which reinforces the importance of searching ways of management to valorize his presence
in the agroecosystems. Sociocultural, technical and economic factors of resistance have been
identified, with strong interactions between them. It has been concluded that technical and
economical aspects must be worked through cumulative processes of training and practical
experimentation with the farmers, since the overcoming of the cultural resistances depends on
the gain of tangible results in the improvement of the soil, production increase and an optimized
use of labor.