"Vidas Secas" no sertão do Piauí: impactos socioambientais da estiagem na comunidade rural Canto dos Bezerras em Itaueira (Pi)

Abstract

This article analyzes the socio-environmental impacts of drought in the rural community of Canto dos Bezerras, located in the municipality of Itaueira, in the state of Piauí, Brazil. The research approaches drought as a multifaceted phenomenon that goes beyond water scarcity, exposing deep social, economic, and environmental inequalities, especially in the Brazilian semi-arid region. The main objective was to investigate the effects of drought on the quality of life of the community’s residents, focusing on family farming, the primary local economic activity. The methodology included field research with on-site visits, semi-structured questionnaires applied to 54 families, interviews with public managers, and analysis of secondary data from official institutions. The results indicate a severe water crisis in 2025, with significant losses in agricultural production, difficulties in livestock farming, food insecurity, and limited governmental support. Residents reported a noticeable decline in rainfall over the past three years, linking the phenomenon to climate change. The final considerations emphasize the urgency of integrated and regionally sensitive public policies that promote sustainable living in the semi-arid region.