Considering the complexity and challenges faced by smaller municipalities in the Amazon
regarding sustainable development, this research focused on exploring the relationship between
sustainable local development and family farming in the municipality of Santarém Novo,
located in the Northeast region of Pará, the third smallest state, with 6,116 inhabitants. The
purpose of this research was to understand the development concepts of key decision-makers in
the municipality, including public officials and representatives of social organizations of local
farmers, as well as to assess farmers' perceptions of government actions, especially those
impacting the future of family farming. This proposal aimed to comprehend how these diverse
perspectives influence actions and policies for local development planning, with an emphasis
on family farming. To achieve these objectives, a transdisciplinary approach was adopted,
employing a concurrent mixed methods methodology that combines quantitative and qualitative
methods for a comprehensive evaluation of these interpretations. The quantitative strategy
aimed to identify patterns and general trends in variables related to farmers' assessments, while
the qualitative strategy explored the development cosmovisions of public officials and
association representatives, based mainly on Ignacy Sachs' Theory of Dimensions of
Sustainable Development, also supported by the development concepts of other authors such as
David Korten and Amartya Sen. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews with
managers and association presidents, and the application of forms to farmers. Quantitative data
analysis used descriptive statistical methods, while qualitative data analysis was performed
using Bardin's (2016) Content Analysis technique. As a result, the research presented, in
addition to the current panorama of municipal development, a diversity of challenges faced by
family farmers, including productive dynamics, labor and organizational relations, technical
assistance, access to public policies, credit, markets, and social participation. It was also
possible to list the main demands and needs of farmers for improving conditions in the sector.
Farmers' assessments of the municipal government's actions on these issues were predominantly
negative. Furthermore, the research evidenced a plurality of understandings about the aspects
that compose development in the interviewees' view. Despite the distinct priorities and
strategies addressed by different groups and individuals, the results generally highlighted a
greater emphasis on the social dimension of sustainable development, encompassing elements
such as health, education, and income, as well as the need to expand opportunities and capacities
of individuals and access to non-productive activities such as leisure. These elements were
widely recognized as fundamental to ensuring a solid foundation for individual and collective
progress and well-being. There is also a shared perception of the importance of economic,
territorial, and political aspects (national). The cultural dimension was also alluded to with
considerable frequency. However, some areas, despite being considered important, were less
emphasized by them, such as the ecological, environmental, and political (international)
dimensions. In contrast, there was also an emphasis on considering more subjective aspects of
human development, related to ethical, moral, religious, psychological values, and the
strengthening of social relations, which refer to solidarity, respect, fraternity, and community
sense.
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