THE AGROAMIGO PROGRAM IN BAHIA (2005-2022): GENERAL RESULTS AND PERFORMANCE IN THE SEMI-ARID REGION AND OTHER REGIONS OF THE STATE

Abstract

In 2005, Banco do Nordeste do Brasil (BNB) created Agroamigo, a rural microfinance program. Among the Brazilian states contemplated, in 2022, agricultural establishments in Bahia had the highest representation. For this reason, the main objective of this work is to analyze the scope of the Agroamigo program in the state, in the semi-arid region and in other regions of Bahia. For that, a bibliographical and documental research was applied. Information and data (from IBGE and BNB) were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the comparative method. The results showed that the scope of the Agroamigo program in Bahia revealed continuous growth over the period 2005 to 2022. In 2022, most of the financing operations were concentrated in the semi-arid region and in livestock activity, which means that the program has been financing an important part of the demand of family farmers in a region known for its economic and social need. Therefore, the program has been promoting expansion of production, income generation and new occupations in the semi-arid region and in other regions of the state. On the other hand, it should be noted that Agroamigo should be expanded to cover a greater number of family farmers present throughout the state