TERRITORY, FAMILY PRODUCTION AND STRUCTURING PUBLIC POLICIES: AN ANALYSIS FROM THE ABRIL MÁRTIRES SETTLEMENT ON THE MOSQUEIRO ISLAND-PARÁ

This article presents the results of a household visit carried out at the Mártires de Abril Settlement, located in Mosqueiro, Belém-PA, aiming to analyze the living conditions, productive practices and territorial fragilities of the settled families. Established on 05/03/1999 after the occupation of Fazenda Taba by the MST, the settlement comprises 46 families in an area of 468.8 ha, organized under the agro-village model. Field research showed agricultural diversification, with emphasis on açaí (Euterpe oleracea), cocoa (Theobroma cacao), annual crops and the agroforestry nursery maintained by settlers. However, major shortcomings in infrastructure were identified, such as poor public transportation, lack of a basic health unit and rural energy, as well as the absence of technical assistance and effective public policies for product commercialization. Despite these difficulties, the settlement shows resilience and organization, with production being sold at UFPA and UEPA fairs. It is concluded that permanence in the territory is directly linked to family farming, but depends on the strengthening of public policies to ensure quality of life and sustainability in rural areas.