Multifuncionalidade da agricultura: proposta de um método de mensuração

The multifunctionality of agriculture is a concept of complex apprehension expressing the multiple functions of agriculture beyond agricultural production. The objective of this text is to present a method of evaluating the elements of multifunctionality among the family farmers of the Centro Sul / RS territory seeking to understand its formative aspects and produce insights for the actions of Rural Extension. A method of analysis based on four dimensions (social and cultural, natural and landscape resources, socioeconomic and food security) was constructed and, within them, the creation of indicators based on 960 interviews with rural families. It was concluded that, as strengths of the method of measuring multifunctionality, there was an expansion of the analytical perspective; The process incorporated a set of interlaced dimensions that produced a systemic synergy in the analysis. It was considered as fragilities of the method that the use of the feature of subdivision of multifunctionality in dimension produced Cartesian characteristics that can bias the view of the interactions, and the option of indicators is always a choice of authors being subject to criticism. However, in general terms, it was understood that this method allowed for a systemic notion of a concept of difficult apprehension and sprouted innovative elements. The study also pointed to the potential of the territory for a process of transformation, such as the existence of an active social fabric and reserve areas that preserve the landscape and biodiversity. A multifuncionalidade da agricultura é um conceito de complexa apreensão e expressa as múltiplas funções da agricultura para além da produção agropecuária. O objetivo desse texto é apresentar um método de avaliação dos elementos da multifuncionalidade junto aos agricultores familiares do território Centro Sul/RS buscando entender os seus aspectos formadores e produzir insights para as ações de Extensão Rural. Foi construído um método de análise baseado em quatro dimensões (social e cultural, recursos naturais e paisagísticos, socioeconômica e segurança alimentar) e, dentro delas, a criação de indicadores baseados em 960 entrevistas realizadas com famílias rurais. Concluiu-se que, como pontos fortes do método de mensuração da multifuncionalidade ocorreu uma ampliação da perspectiva analítica; e o processo incorporou um conjunto de dimensões entrelaçadas que produziu uma sinergia sistêmica na análise. Foi considerado como fragilidad