CONECTIVIDADE RURAL E AGRICULTURA FAMILIAR: AVALIAÇÃO DA COBERTURA MÓVEL NO MUNICÍPIO DE RIO VERDE - GOIÁS

Abstract

Rural connectivity has a direct impact on the agricultural sector, and its absence represents a structural barrier that limits access to technical, productive, and management information for farming activities. This study emphasizes the relevance of mobile connectivity for family farming, analyzing how network coverage influences the integrated management of rural properties. The main objective is to evaluate the effects of mobile signal coverage on the management of family farming units in Rio Verde (GO), comparing areas with and without coverage. The research was conducted through bibliographic review, documentary analysis, and primary data collection with farmers, using both quantitative and qualitative approaches to broaden the understanding of the results. Findings reveal that, despite low income, limited mechanization, and restricted participation in public policies, farmers show high smartphone usage and strong awareness of the importance of connectivity for education, financial services, commercialization, and cooperation among producers. The study highlights the main challenges and opportunities for family farming in the context of digital transformation, showing that access to reliable internet can strengthen competitiveness, increase production efficiency, and reduce rural-to-urban migration. Connectivity, by enabling access to real-time weather forecasts, input prices, and market channels, becomes indispensable for the sustainability of family farming and for improving living conditions in rural áreas.