干旱区生态环境知识资源中心

This article explores whether a shift in development paradigm resulted in coexistence with semi-aridity for residents of the Semi-Arid region of Brazil (SAB). If so, which strategies contributed and which conditions facilitated it? We conducted a comparative analysis of the transformations that occurred in 10 territories of the SAB during two time periods: PI (1973-2001) when "development" policies almost exclusively aimed to "combat drought and its effects"; and PII (2002-2016) when a concept of coexistence with semi-aridity informed policy making. Our study from the 10 territories of the SAB show significant changes between PI and PII. On average, there was a substantial improvement in Access to Water Infrastructure (+33%Delta), Diversification of Production Systems (Animals +36%Delta; Crops +61%Delta), Management of Common Pool Resources (+45%Delta), Involvement in Spaces of Political Organizing (+24%Delta), and Access to Public Programs (+29%Delta). As such, "coexistence" went from concept to action as a consequence of structural, agroecological, social, and management transformations in combination with a strengthening of mechanisms for community reciprocity. These were characterized by (a) the creation of resource reserves for use during times of drought; (b) the efficient use of available natural resources; and (c) enhanced articulation between diverse actors.