Effects of technical assistance and rural extension actions on the quality of life of rural producers

This research aimed to measure the impact of technical assistance and rural extension (ATER) actions on livelihoods and quality of life of family farmers assisted by Emater in the state of Goiás, Brazil. The sample is of 120 farmers assisted by Emater from the 2018 to 2022, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using PLS-SEM. ATER actions has a positive direct effect on both livelihoods and quality of life. Moreover, livelihoods partially mediate the relationship between ATER and quality of life. Regarding specific indirect effects, income was the dimension of quality of life most affected by both ATER and livelihoods, while financial capital was the dimension of livelihoods most influenced by ATER. These findings highlight the significant contribution of ATER to the economic and financial aspects of family farmers, while acknowledging the importance of education and housing (dimensions of quality of life) and natural, human, and social capital (dimensions of livelihoods) for their overall development. The results contribute to the literature on ATER, livelihoods and quality of life, and the validation of the ATER measurement instrument provide valuable subsidies for future studies and important directions for Emater in order to review and strengthen the ATER policies.