Coconut production in the metropolitan region of Natal/RN: old and new ways of producing and their links to the globalization process

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a descriptive and analytical approach to the irrigated coconut production process in the Metropolitan Region of Natal/RN. The reasons for analyzing irrigated coconut production and consumptive and productive consumption in these federative units stem from their significant use of technology in the production process, compared to other municipalities within the Metropolitan Region of Natal/RN. We used the 1990s as our time frame, given that it was during this period that transformations in the agrarian landscape of these municipalities became more evident. For this research, we used a theoretical framework based on the discussions of several authors. We also made use of the categories of spatial production circuit analysis and cooperation circles, as well as quantitative, qualitative, descriptive, analytical, historicist, and empirical approaches, in addition to field research, exploratory research, documentary and bibliographic research. We conclude that this activity has promoted spatial and agricultural reorganization in the areas of this research, given that certain food crops, such as beans, corn, and cassava, are being replaced by irrigated coconut monoculture, jeopardizing food security.