“Tecnologias Sociais” and The Northeast Brazilian Semi-Arid: A Study on the Cisterns Program

Purpose: To analyze the role of the Cisterns Program as a generator of “tecnologias sociais” in the Northeast Brazilian Semi-Arid. Theoretical framework: Characteristics, mechanisms and requirements of “Tecnologia Social”. Design/methodology/approach: Instrumental single case study in the Cisterns Program, using interviews and document analysis for data collection. Categorical content analysis to evidence analysis. Findings: The results show that the “tecnologias sociais” designed by the Cisterns Program have positive impacts beyond access to potable water. These include, among others, mitigation of desertification and articulation and mobilization between communities. Such findings corroborate the understanding that the Cisterns Program as a “supplier” of “tecnologias sociais” and its relevance to the advancement of the regions where it operates, mainly in the northeastern Brazilian semi-arid region. Originality: This study deepens analyzes of the component elements of "tecnologia social", ways of acting by the groups involved and social implications (results), aspects with little discussion in the literature on the subject. Theoretical and practical contributions: The study summarizes the forms of action, the groups involved, the mechanisms, the bottlenecks in the process, and the impacts related to social technologies in a set of elements that can serve as a guide for the implementation of social technologies in other places. It also identifies mechanisms for creating/strengthening actions and public policy to scale up, disseminate, and optimize these technologies. Keywords: “Tecnologia Social”. Cisterns Program. Northeast Brazilian semi-arid.