DINÂMICAS DO EMPREGO FORMAL AGROPECUÁRIO NA FRUTICULTURA DA REGIÃO INTEGRADA DE DESENVOLVIMENTO DE PETROLINA (PE) E JUAZEIRO (BA) NO NORDESTE BRASILEIRO

Abstract

The conjunctural and structural transformations in the Brazilian labor market, driven by productive restructuring, have had a significant impact on the agricultural sector, increasing the marginal productivity of labor in formal employment positions. In this context, the main objective of this study is to analyze the formal agricultural labor market in fruit farming within the Integrated Development Region (RIDE) of Petrolina (PE) and Juazeiro (BA) for the years 2019 and 2022. The study begins with a literature review, followed by an analysis of the data from the Annual Social Information Report (RAIS) of the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MTE). The main results reveal both promising and challenging trends. Fruit farming has attracted an increasing Economically Active Population (EAP) in the agricultural sector, with a notable rise in female participation. Moreover, there is a significant influx of young people aged 15 to 29 into fruit farming, accompanied by a higher level of education, predominantly complete high school education. However, the majority of workers earn between one and two minimum wages, contributing to increased turnover in the labor market. These findings indicate the precariousness of working conditions, undermining sustainable rural development in the analyzed areas.