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| Author(s): |
Raphael Fernando Diniz
Total Authors: 1
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| Document type: | Doctoral Thesis |
| Press: | Presidente Prudente. 2018-06-26. |
| Institution: | Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia. Presidente Prudente |
| Defense date: | 2018-05-21 |
| Advisor: | Antonio Nivaldo Hespanhol |
| Abstract | |
Throughout the second half of the 20th century, the process of modernisation of Brazilian agriculture was orientated towards the introduction of new logics and rationalities of production and organization of rural space, closely linked to the hegemonic order of global capitalism. Within this context, production and diffusion of scientific technology and knowledge was made feasible through the participation of a diverse array of social agents. Amongst which existed the institutions of Technical Assistance and Rural Extension (ATER – acronym portuguese). These organisations acted as intermediaries between research institutes of technological innovation and rural producers, disseminating modernised agricultural practices, aided through the execution of rural credit and agricultural policies mandated by the Brazilian Government. In this sense, this study aims to analyse, reflect and theorise in regards to the role actuated by such institutions in the construction of a rural environment increasingly more rationalized, artificialized and normalized throughout the country. In order to achieve this, as well as to interpret and discuss this question on a national scale, case studies were carried out to act as spatial samples for investigation. The area of investigation selected pertains to the municipalities of the three Citizen Territories of the Jequitinhonha Valley - Minas Gerais. Within these territories, we focused on analysing the progress and challenges confronted by the state-owned Company of Technical Assistance and Rural Extension of the state of Minas Gerais (EMATER-MG). Assessed was its successful execution of rural development policies through the implementation of the National Policy of Technical Assistance and Rural Extension (PNATER). To achieve this analysis, a literature review on the theme, object, territory and geographic concepts fundamental to the study was completed. Also carried out was the collection, compilation and analysis of data obtained through sources both primary and secondary in nature. We defend the thesis that as well as a social practise, extensionism constitutes a spatial practise that is at times acquiesced to the service of hegemonic actors leading to the construction of a techno-scientific-informational environment within rural spaces. However, in other instances, the practise searches to promote innovative strategies directed towards the autonomy of subalternate subjects and social groups and the creation of spaces that represent solidarity, continuity, cooperation and integration. In relation to PNATER, we demonstrate that despite the progress achieved between 2004 and 2014, the state was unable to fully overcome historically persistent problems regarding the execution of public policy in Brazil. Perhaps principal among which being the unequal distribution of financial services among regions of the country and within the states that constitute them. In the State of Minas Gerais, including the Jequitinhonha Valley, based on our findings we argue that the public service ATER attends primarily to the agricultural policy guidelines of the State as well as the obligations assumed by its supporting agents, of which, may or may not correspond to the wishes and demands of the social subjects and strategic objectives and guidelines of PNATER. It can be said that, the implementation of public policies and government programs by the extensionists of EMATER-MG did enable important socio-economic and environmental progress to occur within the region. This contributed to the improvement of economic and social indicators of the municipalities surveyed. However, a series of hindrances persist that prevent the rural social subjects from maintaining, improving and expanding upon the projects implemented, as well as, the full accomplishment of their objectives and the effective appropriation of their benefits. In order to resolve/mitigate these problems, we propose that the solidarity and collective effort of the social subjects of the Jequitinhonha Valley be supported by the creation of dense, critical thinking and diversified networks of stakeholders. A strategy with considerable potential to engender insurgent spacial practices and establish spaces of contiguity, solidarity, horizontality, autonomy and hope in the face of a reality marked by values such as individualism, selfishness, competition and greed. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 13/25725-8 - DIALOGUE OF WISDOMS OR MONOLOG OF KNOWLEDGE? TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND RURAL EXTENSION AND THE DEVELOPMENT POLICIES OF RURAL TERRITORIES IN JEQUITINHONHA VALLEY/MG |
| Grantee: | Raphael Fernando Diniz |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate |