PLANNING AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT IN THE RURAL TERRITORY OF MID-ARAGUAIA, TOCANTINS: THE CHALLENGES AND THE POSSIBILITIES

Abstract

This article aims to discuss the conception and development of the Rural Territory of Mid- Araguaia, located in the western region of the state of Tocantins and to point out the challenges in consolidating the territorial approach attributed to rural development in the territory's social management. With regard to methodology, two approaches were used: participant observation and document analysis (Territorial Plan for Sustainable Rural Development of Mid-Araguaia, Tocantins (PTDRS), formulated by Jalapão Ecological Institute). This information served as a guideline for organizing the discussion regarding the challenges to the planning and the social management from a territorial standpoint, through public policies developed by the Ministry of Agrarian Development's Territorial Development Office (SDT/MDA).