CASHEW AGROINDUSTRY IN THE CONTEXTO OF PRODUCTIVE RESTRUCTURING IN THE METROPOLITAN REGION OF FORTALEZA, CEARÁ

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the productive restructuring of the cashew agro-industry in Ceará, focusing on the municipalities of Cascavel and Pacajus (Metropolitan Region of Fortaleza), in order to understand how integration into production circuits influences employment relations and the configuration of socio-spatial inequalities. The analysis is based on the premise that technical modernization occurs selectively, producing territorial differentiation and labor market segmentation. The time frame (2002–2022) makes it possible to examine two decades of transformations associated with mechanization, sanitary certification, and organizational restructuring in the sector. Methodologically, the study combines a literature review on productive restructuring and spatial production circuits with an analysis of secondary data from RAIS and IBGE, as well as fieldwork. The comparative analysis shows that Pacajus presents a higher level of mechanization, certification, and integration into the upper circuits of the economy, whereas Cascavel demonstrates a process of productive recovery marked by lower technical density and a strong presence of manual labor, predominantly female. It is concluded that the restructuring of the cashew agro-industry reflects the territorial division of labor and the selectivity of capital, assigning distinct roles to the municipalities analyzed and highlighting the need for public policies aimed at regional complementarity.