O Colonato de Magagade e o sistema de cultivo de algodão, 1966-1975

Abstract

In this work, we approach the geographic and socio-economic context in which the installation of the Agricultural Settlement of Magagade was inserted, as well as its socio-economic importance. In this perspective, we conclude that the agricultural tradition of the region of Magagade in the cultivation of cotton, the existence of fertile soil and water contributed to the installation, in this place, of the Colonato de Magagade whose core activity was the cultivation of cotton. On the other hand, we found that the Instituto de Algodão de Moçambique installed this Colonato and made it a solution to the dilemmas it was struggling with, such as the need to encourage cotton cultivation in a situation of scarce financial and technical resources and, in the context of colonial settlement, of occupying European emigrants, unsuccessful in the administrative sector, and ex-Portuguese soldiers, in military service in the Colony, who, having become available, decided to settle in the Colony. In terms of the socio-economic importance of the Colonato de Magagade, we conclude that, comparing the previous levels of cotton production in the region of Magagade to those of the period in which the Colonato was operating, there was an increase in cotton production, which was not it was only due to the existence of a pump system for irrigation, tractors, implements, among other means and production factors, as well as the increase in the cultivation area. Also, we concluded that for the producer, the cotton cultivation system in the Colonato allowed him to accumulate capital with which he invested in goods without return such as the construction of an improved house, the purchase of means of transport, among others. applications. But we also found that, in parallel with the gains, the colonist tended to become a monoculture farmer as a result of the recommendations of the IAM We found that, because this enterprise was composed mostly by white colonists in relation to blacks, it was characterized by a strong racial differentiation in their access. These conclusions resulted from research, literature and archival funds from the then Government of the District of Beira, from the use of interviews, carried out in Caia (Sofala district), as well as from participant observation of the physical infrastructures of the then Colonato de Magagade(TRADUÇÃO NOSSA)