Activist farmers in Brazil step in to feed the hungry and aid the sick

For months, President Jair Bolsonaro has insisted the coronavirus is not a serious threat. Beyond decreeing a nationwide state of calamity in mid-March, his government has left 209 million Brazilians largely without federal help during the pandemic. Brazil has the most confirmed Covid-19 cases in Latin America: 254,220 infections and 16,792 deaths as of May 18. Nevertheless, Mr. Bolsonaro continues shaking hands, hugging supporters, urging the country to reopen. 

And he has pushed out two Health Ministers for promoting social distancing.

Some state governors are defying the right-wing president’s calls to restart the economy, and Congress recently approved a monthly cash payment of BRL 600 (USD 104) to help 54 million newly unemployed workers — less than the national minimum wage of BRL 1,045. Since other federal aid does not appear to be forthcoming, neighborhood associations, churches, community groups, and unions are stepping in to support struggling Brazilians.

One of Brazil’s civilian-led initiatives goes well beyond an average mutual aid society. Drawing on its vast network of farms, doctors, schools, and restaurants, an activist group called the Landless Workers Movement is providing food, medical care, and other pandemic support to hundreds of thousands of Brazilians nationwide.

Landless workers change Brazil

The Landless Workers Movement, or MST, was born in 1984 after groups of landless families began to occupy rural estates that were lying fallow. The organization is a direct consequence of Brazil’s extremely unequal land distribution. One percent of the population owns approximately 50 percent of the country’s arable land.

According to Brazilian law, land must be used for a...