Contribuição ao estudo da influência da lavoura especulativa do sisal no Estado da Bahia

Abstract

The afflicting problem of the dryness In the Northeast of Brazil didn't affect a small area of the state of Bahia, which found its prosperity promoting conditions for better employments and social welfare, by the cultivation of a xerophite plant, the agave, which produce a textile fiber, the sisal of great importance in the export trade.

            This work analysis the factors wich were contributed to give that economic aspect verified in a region compraised between the parallels of 9°50' and 12°, and between the meridians of 38°50' and 41°50' (W of Greenwich), enclosing an area of 59,543 km², in which are 33 municipal communities of Bahia State.

            It was spent seven months in search where was utilized statistical and bibliographic dates in many kind of inquiries. It was sounded too the public opinion and was proposed a questionary which should be filled by 40 diverse establishments.

            In six chapters was divided this paper, in which was studied the main aspect of the problem: the sisal and the physical ambient, with dates about observations related to the ecological exigence of the plant; the region before the sisal boom, with historical development of the population before 1940, and the agrarian sociology after that year; the forthcoming of the sisal hemp; the communication ways and the sketch of an urban network; and, at last, and development in State of Bahia; the changes in the rural environment as a consequence of the sisal cultivation, which presents a new agrarian landscape, and the necessity of organizing a new regional structure; the exigences in the prepare and commercialization of the sisal hemp; the communication ways and the sketch of an urban network; and, at last, the factors and economic consequences related to the sisal and its commercial crises.

            In the conclusion of this study are presented the possible solutions in order to. avoid the threat of crisis which hinder the region become prosperous. This solution would be cooperativism, investment, to appraise a low quotation for the sisal and establish an industry with a purpose of local sale for the sisal products.