ABSTRACT
This paper describes the evolution of drought-related public policies in Northeast Brazil (NEB). Using a historical approach, we show that the evolution of public policy has not been characterized by abrupt shifts, but has instead been shaped through debates between renowned intellectuals. The resulting public policies formed a hydrological infrastructure that delivers clean water needed for robust economic activity. However, outcomes of the 2012-2013 drought show that populations that depend on rain fed agriculture are as vulnerable to drought as they were at the start of the 20th century. Although government, social, and emergency programs have aided drought victims, drought analysts agree that rain fed agriculture has remained vulnerable since drought policies were first formulated. Drought policies formulate integrated water resources management (IWRM) strategies that are geared toward supplying safe drinking water, and debates surrounding the IWRM paradigm have been affected by outcomes of major international events such as the World Water Forum.
Subject(s)
Agriculture , Droughts , Public Policy , Water Resources , Water Supply , Agriculture/methods , Brazil , Humans , Rain , Water Supply/methods , Water Supply/standardsABSTRACT
O artigo analisa a evolução das políticas públicas contra as secas praticadas no Nordeste a partir do período Colonial. Uma proposta de periodização com base nas políticas predominantes é apresentada. A periodização é organizada em cinco fases: 1) defrontando-se com as secas; 2) a busca do conhecimento; 3) a hidráulica da solução; 4) o desenvolvimento regional; 5) a gestão das águas e o desenvolvimento sustentável. As lógicas e os pensamentos dos principais intelectuais que deram suporte a essas políticas são objetos de análise e discussão.
The article analyzes the evolution of public policies against drought in the Northeast since the colonial period. A timeline based on the prevailing policies is proposed. The periodization was divided into five phases: 1) facing the droughts, 2) the construction of the knowledge, 3) the hydraulic phase of the solution, 4) the regional development, 5) the water management and sustainable development. The logic and the thoughts of the leading intellectuals who have supported these policies are subject to review and discussion.
