This paper analyses some alternatives in order to promote the multifunctionality of agriculture in Nordeste semi-arid area. It proposes to take in account other functions associated to rural production. These functions are link to no trade practises of common natural resource management or about public goods access ruled by smallholders. They depend of several type of collective action based on reciprocity relationship. Support these collective devices or recognise their juridical and institutional existence allow guaranteeing their reproduction or adaptation to a new context. It would assure also the sustainability of productive, environmental and social functions as well as the modernisation and permanency of social structures and reciprocity relation ship, which are ruling these rural practises and organisations.