Participatory construction in agroforestry systems in family farming: ways for the agroecological transition in Brazil

Author(s)

Bezerra, Leila Pires ^[1] ; Franco, Fernando Silveira ^[2] ; Souza-Esquerdo, Vanilde F. ^[3] ; Borsatto, Ricardo ^[4]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Ctr Agr Sci, Araras, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Environm Sci, Sorocaba, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Estadual Campinas, Coll Agr Engn, Integrated Council Planning & Management, Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[4] Fed Univ Sao Carlos UFSCAR, Ctr Nat Sci, Buri, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: AGROECOLOGY AND SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS; v. 43, n. 2, p. 180-200, FEB 7 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the implementation of Agroforestry Systems (AFS) by family farmers, assessing their contribution to agroecological transition and understanding the process of knowledge construction. The study was carried out in family farming farms in the Sumare Rural Settlement, and in the area of Family Farming and Agroecological Cooperative (Cooperacra), respectively located in the municipalities of Sumare and Americana, Sao Paulo State, Brazil. The methodology was based on a case study, using Focal Groups and Field Notes as research instruments. On the basis of our analysis, there were social changes in the farmers' organization and in the decision-making process, as well as in the landscape in the areas of AFS and surroundings, where agroecological principles were also applied to production. In Sumare, the four farmers participating in the project organized themselves to obtain organic certification. Cooperacra, which works with a group of 10 farmers advanced in the process of agroecological transition, starting from an intensive organic horticulture production system to a biodiverse agroforestry system. Despite the short time of the project, the construction of knowledge in relation to agroforestry systems was perceived through management techniques incorporated by the farmers in their agroecosystems. The arboreal component, which thus far the farmers had seen as something to be eliminated to realize agriculture, was introduced and became a relevant part of the process. The results demonstrate the feasibility and potential of AFS in the process of agroecological transition toward a more sustainable agriculture. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/04577-1 - The role of public policies in promoting localized and sustainable agri-food systems: limits and potentials
• Grantee: Ricardo Serra Borsatto
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research