Resumo:

Since the nineteenth century, the process of regional occupancy and demographics in the state of Paraná, Brazil, has been influenced by several migratory processes. In this context, the analysis of silkworm farming allows for the discussion of elements related to migration, economic activity, and spatial reorganization of the population. Silkworm breeding in Brazil was developed together with the coffee industry since 1848. It was initiated in Paraná in the 1930s with a migratory flow in the north of Paraná. Initially, silkworm farming was carried out by Japanese settlers and later became the staple of many rural family producers. Brazil became one of the main silk producers in the world during the twentieth century, and the state of São Paulo was the largest producer of cocoons until 1980, when Paraná became the main exporter in Brazil, particularly the northeastern region of Paraná, where the Silk Valley is located. This study focuses on the importance of considering the regional and demographic dynamics in the expansion of complementary economic activities. Although these activities may not have a significant impact on a national scale, they contribute to the complexity of migratory, economic, and social processes at a regional level.