The use of Information and Communication Technologies in family farming: new ruralities in São Valentim – RS, Brazil

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify the benefits obtained from the use of information and communication technologies by family farmers in the city of São Valentim-RS, and to verify to what extent the use of information and communication technologies have contributed to local development of the municipality. The research is characterized as a descriptive exploratory study of qualitative and quantitative nature, and the data were collected in the city of São Valentim-RS, in the first half of 2019. The main results achieved by this study identified that the use of information and communication technologies by family farmers is linked to the higher frequency of communication with family and friends; approach and contact with the agricultural cooperatives technicians and reducing travel to the city to make contacts related to productive activities. Among the still existing challenges, there was the absence and low intensity of the internet signal in rural areas, and therefore, it is suggested that the municipal public management develop projects and, through these, make available internet points in all rural communities areas, so that farmers have access to this important device of information and communication.

Keywords

• agricultores familiares
• tecnologias da informação
• novas ruralidades