MULTIRONS
Mutirões represent a social technology based on collective and solidarity work, where members of a community come together to carry out activities of common interest. This model of cooperation is widely used in traditional communities, especially in contexts of agriculture, construction and maintenance of infrastructure. By pooling collective efforts, mutirões ensure the availability of the workforce needed to carry out tasks that would be difficult to perform individually, strengthening social ties and promoting community cohesion.
PROBLEM SOLVED
The availability of a workforce in agriculture is a significant challenge, especially given the aging population that engages in this activity and the limited access to instruments, tools and technologies that can make the work more efficient and less arduous. In addition, the generational transition of agricultural activities faces difficulties due to the migration of young people in search of work, education and access to income, among other rights that are often denied to traditional communities, such as access to land, traditional use of territories, work and housing. By promoting collective and solidarity work, collective efforts help to mitigate these problems by guaranteeing the workforce necessary to carry out agricultural tasks and maintain infrastructure. They also strengthen community ties and encourage youth participation, promoting the transmission of traditional knowledge and the sustainability of agricultural practices. In this way, collective efforts contribute to the continuity of agricultural activities in traditional communities, while promoting social justice and cultural preservation.
SOLUTION ADOPTED
To address the challenges related to the availability of workforce in agriculture and the generational transition, the solution adopted was to support the implementation of collective work groups on different work fronts, with an emphasis on agroecology and the active participation of young people. The methodology implemented includes several essential steps. First, meetings are held with the community to discuss the importance of collective work groups and identify the agricultural activities that require a greater workforce. Next, a collective work schedule is established, considering the seasonal demands and the time availability of the families involved.
The agricultural tasks to be carried out in the collective work groups are then identified, such as soil preparation, planting, harvesting, animal management, among others. The tasks are divided according to the skills and knowledge of each family, ensuring an equitable distribution of responsibilities. To ensure the efficiency of the activities, it is essential to ensure that all necessary materials and resources are available, such as seeds, agricultural tools, equipment and inputs. In addition, it is necessary to mobilize additional resources through partnerships or donations.
Once the agenda has been defined, specific dates for the joint efforts are set and communicated to the entire community. On the day of the joint effort, participating families gather in a central location to begin the planned activities. During the collective work, an environment of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and mutual support is fostered. To strengthen social ties and value local food culture, community meals are organized during the joint efforts, encouraging the sharing of food prepared by the participating families.
After the joint efforts are completed, a joint evaluation is carried out with the community, discussing the results achieved, the challenges faced, and the lessons learned. Collective achievements are celebrated and the effort and contribution of each participating family are recognized. This approach not only ensures the workforce needed for agricultural activities, but also strengthens community ties, promotes youth participation, and ensures the transmission of traditional knowledge. At the same time, it contributes to the sustainability of agricultural practices and social justice in traditional communities.
RESULT ACHIEVED
The implementation of the collective action methodology has resulted in numerous tangible and intangible benefits for the communities involved. Several collective actions have been carried out in the territory, covering a wide range of areas and promoting sustainable development and social cohesion.
In the area of agroecology, collective actions have enabled the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices, such as soil preparation, planting, harvesting and animal management. These activities have not only increased agricultural productivity, but have also promoted environmental conservation and food security for communities.
In community-based tourism, collective actions have contributed to the creation and maintenance of tourism infrastructures that value local culture and generate income for families. Community participation in these projects has ensured that tourism development is inclusive and respects traditional ways of life.
The construction of ecological sanitation systems was another significant result of collective actions. These systems have improved the health and hygiene conditions of communities, reducing the incidence of diseases and promoting environmental sustainability.
Furthermore, the collective efforts made it possible to build nurseries, which are essential for the production of seedlings and the recovery of degraded areas. These nurseries also serve as spaces for learning and exchanging knowledge about agroecological practices.
The restructuring of flour houses was an important milestone in the appreciation and preservation of cultural traditions. These houses are central to the production of cassava flour, a staple food for many communities, and their modernization ensured the continuity of this traditional practice.
Finally, the construction of prayer houses in indigenous villages strengthened the spirituality and social cohesion of these communities. These spaces are essential for the performance of rituals and ceremonies that are an integral part of indigenous cultural identity.
In summary, the collective efforts carried out in the territory resulted in significant advances in several areas, promoting sustainable development, social justice and cultural preservation. The active participation of youth and families ensured that these projects were inclusive and met the real needs of the communities, strengthening social ties and community resilience.