Peasant family farming and short agri-food chains: the Municipal Fair of Yuty – Caazapá (Paraguay)

Abstract

The short chains have consolidated themselves as one of the main markets for family peasant agriculture, with emphasis on the holidays of producers. The objective of this study is to describe and to analyze the general characteristics of the Municipal Fair of Yuty and understand the importance of this space for farmers and consumers. This research began with a literature review, secondary data analysis, and an exploratory investigation of four people who, at the time, were part of the fair. Subsequently, a survey was applied to nine producers (all of the people of fair that were on the day) and eleven consumers present at the fair. The results found indicate that the Municipal Fair of Yuty has a great importance among the producers that commercialize in this space, especially because they sell at a satisfactory price all the products they carry. In addition, the fair is very important for the income of producer families and for the promotion of the local market. In this sense, the Yuty fair is a form of market access that benefits farmers and consumers, generating more inclusive processes of development and contributing to food and nutritional security.