Influências dos fatores pessoais, institucionais e relacionais dos burocratas de nível de rua na implementação do PRONAF : um estudo sobre o acesso das mulheres rurais ao crédito no Vale do Rio Pardo/RS

Abstract

The National Program for Strengthening Family Agriculture (Pronaf) was created to promote sustainable development of family farming in Brazil. This research analyzes the personal, institutional, and relational factors influence street-level bureaucrats in implemention of Pronaf, focusing in rural women's access to the program in the Vale do Rio Pardo, Rio Grande do Sul. Acting as intermediaries between the state and society, these bureaucrats play a crucial role in execution public policies by applying regulations and connecting beneficiaries to available resources. Personal factors encompass the agents' beliefs, values, and experiences, which shape their interpretations and attitudes when assiting beneficiaries. Institutional factors refer to organizational norms, resource availability, and formal guidelines that define the bureaucratic work environment and their margin of discretion. Relational factors, in turn, refer to interpersonal interactions and power dynamics between bureaucrats and beneficiaries, directly influenting the effectiveness and equity od public policy implementation. Rural women face specific gender-related challenges, such as proving land ownership and access relevant information. Nevertheless, Pronaf also serves as a tool for empowerment, contributing to the strengthening of women’s economic autonomy. The research adopts a qualitative approach, employing semi-structured interviews and document analysis, and applies Bardin’s content analysis technique to identify patterns and dynamics among the investigated factors. The results indicate that effective implementation of Pronaf requires not only formal guidelines but also an integrated understanding of the human and organizational interactions involved. The analysis highlights the need to adapt policies to local realities and women's demands, emphasizing the importance of continuous training for bureaucrats and beneficiaries, as well as the strengthening of support networks among the State, unions, and rural communities.