Overcoming the concept of pockets of poverty: the case of Jequitinhonha Valley in Brazil

The Jequitinhonha Valley is known as “a pocket of poverty” in Brazil; social indicators and income levels are lower in this area than in neighbouring territories. Although the targeted social policies implemented by the 1988 Federal Constitution led to a decrease in the poverty levels, overcoming the area’s challenges requires further efforts. This article explores the characteristics of the Valley, its emergence as a pocket of poverty, and the elements hindering its improvement. Quantitative data from the database on employment and in-depth interviews with experts and municipal officials from the territory’s cities were used to analyse the relevant economic sectors and their characteristics. The results reveal that the territory mainly exports raw materials with low value-added and creates few formal jobs. Additionally, in-depth interviews indicate that family farming is a pivotal sector for territorial development based on its economic potential and is a source of monetary income.