Author(s)

GEDÁLIA C. SANTOS

Abstract

Four decades after the construction of the Sobradinho Dam, the consequences associated with the modification of the course of the San Francisco River can be verified through the environmental impacts on the use of the land: the cultivation of rice through flooding has changed to cultivation in “Irrigated Perimeters” in the San Francisco Sergipano Low Valley. Currently, the shortage of agricultural technicians, water distribution in the crops along with the increase in rat plagues, and fish farming in the irrigated perimeters are some of the consequences that have brought about economic losses for the farmers, in addition to the potential loss of traditional rice cultivation in the valley. This article is a case study which compares the characteristics between traditional and current models in the use of land and production systems, the advantages and disadvantages of the Irrigated Perimeters and the restoration strategies for this area. A tendency to return to traditional agricultural work both with and without the help of technology was discovered in this study. Future prospects for sustainable development depend on government action taken with respect to the San Francisco River.

Keywords

Betume, environmental change, floodplain, San Francisco Sergipano Low Valley, Propriá, Sobradinho