Between diversification and specialization: dynamics of family labor in rural poverty regions of Minas Gerais

Abstract  This study examines the role of family labor (FLM) in agricultural establishments across two rural poverty-stricken regions of Minas Gerais, Brazil: Zona da Mata and the Semi-arid region. Utilizing spatial analysis and multivariate clustering, the research identifies key factors influencing the persistence of FLM and explores its connections to regional economic structures, access to technology, and productive diversification. Findings indicate contrasting regional dynamics: the Semi-arid region shows a higher spatial concentration of FLM linked to diversified production strategies, while the Zona da Mata is marked by specialization in coffee and cattle farming. Across both regions, income emerges as the most significant determinant of FLM persistence. The study highlights the continued strategic importance of FLM for family farming and concludes that integrated public policies - emphasizing income generation, diversification, market access, and the valorization of local livelihoods - are critical for sustaining FLM and fostering sustainable rural development.

Keywords:
family labor; family farming; regional differentiation; Minas Gerais; rural development