RATIONALITIES IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS OF ALFALFA PRODUCERS FROM DEZESSEIS DE NOVEMBRO/RS

Abstract

Decision-making process is a regular theme in the academic area. In agriculture, for example, researches show that there are different reasons why farmers act and stay in the rural area. In light of this, this study aims at analyzing the rationalities in the decision-making process of alfalfa producers from Dezesseis de Novembro/RS. As for the methodological procedures, this research is classified as qualitative, based on the explanatory method. Data collection consisted of a semistructured interview script applied to a sample of 15 alfalfa producers from Dezesseis de Novembro/RS. Data analysis was made through content analysis with the use of categories and subcategories. Analysis showed how the process of decision-making of alfalfa producers happens and the presence of instrumental, social, expressive and intrinsic orientations, that is, economic and non-economic factors. In other words, results show the manifestation of instrumental and substantive rationalities as the influencing orientations in the process of decision-making of these alfalfa producers. The research results contribute to a theoretical deepening of the rationalities in the decision-making process of the alfalfa producers, that are members of the socioeconomic development in Dezesseis de Novembro/RS; results also show the importance of the study of the rural development theme, of the orientations and rationalities implied in the decision-making process of farmers as means of contributing to local and regional development.