Diagnóstico socioeconômico das quebradeiras de coco de Bacabal- MA: uma análise dos impactos do programa Sociobio Mais.

Abstract

The extraction of babassu coconut (Attalea speciosa Mart. ex Spreng) in the state of Maranhão constitutes an activity of high socioeconomic and environmental relevance, carried out primarily by the babassu coconut breakers, who play a central role in the productive chain and in the conservation of babassu groves. Despite this importance, this social group faces persistent socioeconomic vulnerabilities, such as labor informality and low levels of schooling, which highlights the need to assess the effectiveness of public policies aimed at sociobiodiversity. In this context, the present study aimed to diagnose the socioeconomic profile of babassu coconut breakers in the municipality of Bacabal, Maranhão, and to analyze the impacts of the Sociobio Mais Program on their living and working conditions. The research adopted a qualitative and quantitative approach, using questionnaires and interviews applied to local workers. The specific objectives included characterizing the participants’ sociodemographic profile, analyzing their perceptions of the program, and evaluating the relevance of babassu extraction to household income composition. The results indicated that most coconut breakers have low levels of formal education and rely predominantly on extractivism as their main source of income, despite its seasonal nature. The analysis of the impacts of the Sociobio Mais Program revealed advances in productive organization and income diversification, especially due to the guarantee of minimum prices and access to a more secure market. However, significant challenges were identified, including bureaucratic obstacles to accessing resources and logistical limitations for the distribution of production. It is concluded that the Sociobio Mais Program represents an important instrument in combating poverty and strengthening women’s empowerment, although its effectiveness could be enhanced through the simplification of access procedures and improvements in support infrastructure. The study provides an updated and contextualized diagnosis, contributing to the formulation of more effective public policies aligned with the reality of extractive communities in Bacabal, Maranhão.