Sertão do Apodi is located in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, in the Northeast region of Brazil. Composed of 17 municipalities, the territory stands out for the strong presence of family farming — with emphasis on the production of red rice, characteristic of the region —, for community organization and for the richness of its natural resources. The region is recognized for successful experiences of coexistence with the semi-arid region, including the use of social technologies for agroecological production and strengthening the solidarity economy. The Sertão do Apodi also preserves a living cultural heritage, with traditions expressed in music, handicrafts, cuisine and collective practices of work and social organization.

It is in this context that the Pacto PPI do Sertão do Apodi arises, a territorial initiative of multisectoral articulation that seeks to promote sustainable development through the landscape approach, connecting efforts from different sectors around a common vision. The Pact is guided by the three pillars of the Caatinga Roots Program — Produce, Protect and Include — and aims to integrate actions in favor of sustainable production, the conservation of the Caatinga biome and the socio-productive inclusion of women. young people and rural people.

Currently in the consolidation phase, the PPI Pact of the Sertão do Apodi has a participatory governance structure, formed by representatives of civil society organizations, cooperatives, farmers, social movements, public institutions and local initiatives. This structure acts as a space for strategic alignment, definition of priorities and monitoring of collectively agreed goals.

The vision until 2027 is to consolidate the Sertão do Apodi as a reference territory in sustainable practices, with the strengthening of local production chains, rational use of natural resources and appreciation of the ways of life of the semi-arid region, promoting the dignified permanence of families in the countryside and the protagonism of the subjects of the territory river.

Main production chains worked in the territory:

• Red rice

• Goat farming (meat and milk)

• Beekeeping (honey and derivatives)

• Agroecological cotton

These chains have been the focus of integrated actions aimed at technical qualification, access to markets, value addition, inclusion of women and young people, and encouragement of sustainable practices, with the aim of strengthening the local economy and promoting territorial development in a fair, resilient and lasting way.