Os cortiços do agro: o bairro Santa Cruz, em Luís Eduardo Magalhães, Bahia num olhar de perto e de dentro

Abstract

This final project explores how agribusiness has contributed to socio-spatial inequalities in Luís Eduardo Magalhães (LEM), in the western region of Bahia, using the Santa Cruz neighborhood as case study. Given the context of Cerrado biome exploitation in the MATOPIBA (acronym for the region that represents one of Brazil's agricultural frontiers, formed with the first syllables of the states of Maranhão, Tocantins, Piauí, and Bahia) and LEM's inclusion in an Agribusiness Production Region (RPA), much of the municipality's activities were directed toward the agricultural sector. From the identification of the high incidence of tenements in the Santa Cruz, it was sought to assimilate the reflection of this reality on the formation of the self-proclaimed "agribusiness capital" that is LEM and the deficiencies in the provision of basic services, such as housing and infrastructure in the city. Using a qualitative approach, it was surveyed and analyzed data from bibliographic references, as well as participant observation through derives (driftings) and interviews with the Santa Cruz’s associations and residents. It was thus possible to understand the contemporary presence of tenements – terminology dating back to 19th century Brazil – in LEM and to realize how real estate speculation and the lack of promotion of basic services intensified local socio-spatial inequalities. Aiming for better living conditions for the tenements and the city as a whole, proposals were drawn up on the axes of environmental quality, infrastructure, mobility, education, health, and housing, as well as some fabulatory essays were made – in corroboration of good living spatial practices.