Abstract

This article attempts to analyze the methods utilized and results achieved by the State in the policy of Vale do São Francisco’s economic revitalization. The importance of this valley results of its geographical situation; in spite of cutting off a half-arid region, São Francisco is an abundant and perennial river. By reason of its waterfalls, it allows the construction of barrages, which will be used for energy production and for the development of irrigated agriculture as well. The government policy, which has provoked the use of funds and utilization of moderns techniques which have not contri-buted for better living conditions for the local population, is also analyzed. Thus, there is a modernization without social-economic development, in view of the model utilized by State intervention.