Research
A Comparative Study of the Irrigated Zones of Jaguaribe-Apodi and Morada Nova from a (Un) Sustainable Perspective
Large-scale government-sponsored irrigation is a feasible alternative to the development of semiarid regions, such as Northeastern Brazil, provided perennial rivers and reservoirs are available. Brazilian irrigation projects have also generally promoted the participation of farmers as informed agents in the process, encouraging training and education towards agribusiness. The purpose of this explorative and descriptive study was to analyze and compare the sustainability characteristics of the Jaguaribe-Apodi and Morada Nova irrigation zones in light of the triple bottom line model (Elkington, 2012), based on information from 18 interviews conducted in September 2015 to November 2015 and submitted to discourse analysis. Triple bottom line sustainability envisages a balance between three dimensions: social, environmental and economic. Such a balance was not observed in our study due to insufficient awareness of environmental issues. However, focusing on a specific context and moment in time, the exploratory study design made it difficult to extrapolate our findings. Future studies could expand the discussion on the sustainability of irrigation zones by using data triangulation in longitudinal designs.
Federal Economic Measures to Combat the Pandemic Crisis and the Federative Pact
This article seeks to explain the economic measures adopted by the Federal Government in response to the pandemic caused by the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Constitutional Amendment No. 106 and Complementary Law No. 173 will be used as a reference basis, with the aim of demonstrating how the fiscal regime was changed, within the constitutional possibilities, to maintain the country's economic health and how the states were impacted by the actions of the Federal Government. This study will analyze the changes in budgetary and fiscal rules and the distribution of resources among the states as a way of compensating for the loss of tax revenue. From another perspective, spending containment assumes an important role in combating the crisis and economic recovery is now being discussed in actions such as the suspension of states' debts with the Union. Ultimately, the distribution of resources allocated for this purpose from the perspective of the federative pact and how balance should be maintained on its basis should be determined. The theoretical framework is provided through specialized doctrines, scientific articles, specific legislation and the qualitative and descriptive approach.
