“IS AGRO TECH, IS AGRO POP, IS AGRO EVERYTHING”? OVERVIEW OF WATER CONFLICTS INTENSIFIED BY AGRIBUSINESS IN MINAS GERAIS

Panorama dos conflitos pela água intensificados pelo agronegócio em Minas Gerais

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present an overview of water conflicts produced and intensified by agribusiness in Minas Gerais between 2002 and 2022, based on the theoretical-methodological contribution of Political Ecology. To this end, we conducted a descriptive study with a qualitative approach. The data were collected through documentary research and data analysis was carried out using Thematic Analysis. It was seen that the state of Minas Gerais, despite being considered the “Brazilian water tank”, has stood out on the national scene in relation to water conflicts intensified by agribusiness in recent years. We realize that the constitution of these conflicts has an inherently political character, as they result from historical inequalities in access and use of water between different social actors and generally express asymmetries of power. This study makes it possible to advance the still incipient discussion on the characterization of water conflicts in the country, since data on these disputes are not well known or made available in Brazil, including by government agencies.