TERRITORIALIZED AGROECOLOGICAL PLANS
Territorialized agroecological plans are diagnostic, planning, and monitoring tools for actions related to agroecological practices and other associated activities, and are developed by communities with the support of the OTSS. The Social Technology Incubator is inspired by the LUME method for developing the plans, which is used for economic and ecological analysis of agroecosystems. The method was developed by social organizations and public policy executors in the field of agroecology and is mainly used in family farming units that are in the process of transitioning to agroecology. Its use among traditional communities highlights potentialities as well as limitations, given the particularities present in the agroecosystem management practices commonly carried out in these communities.
PROBLEM SOLVED
The maintenance and reproduction of activities and knowledge related to agriculture and agroecosystem management by traditional communities are guided by several aspects that consider ancestry, culture, social organization and other dimensions that characterize their ways of life. At the same time, communities face issues that compromise the reproduction of traditional agriculture and threaten traditional practices and knowledge of agroecosystem management. The defense of the territory and agroecology are present as a way of confronting a scenario of marginalization in the face of public policies, especially those that strengthen food and nutritional security and sovereignty, and in the face of processes that compromise the guarantee of use, care and maintenance of life in the territory.
SOLUTION ADOPTED
In the marketing area, the OTSS supported communities’ access to public policies aimed at food marketing and encouraged their own marketing initiatives in short territorialized circuits. Spaces and moments for exchanging knowledge and experiences were promoted through exchanges and sharing, strengthening the agroecology network at various territorial levels.
Training in management, organization and governance of enterprises, associations, groups and other instruments of social organization related to agriculture and crafts was a crucial component. The OTSS also supported political advocacy, promoting dialogues with public institutions responsible for public policies related to agriculture and territorial defense.
In addition, there was an ongoing effort to bring together, participate in and build agroecology networks, strengthening cohesion and collaboration between communities and other entities involved. These actions not only promoted the sustainability and resilience of agroecosystems, but also strengthened the social organization and self-management capacity of communities, contributing to socio-environmental justice and the preservation of traditional territories.
RESULT ACHIEVED
Among the villages, the results obtained in the Itaxi Mirim Village, located in the Carapitanga River basin, stand out. The broad participation of young people in the processes of implementing and managing the collective planting area made it possible for generations to meet and for a dialogue between traditional Guarani knowledge and agroecological principles. As a result, there was a satisfactory production of beans and corn, the first foods harvested in that area. In addition, the continuity and deepening of the training of young people in agroecology was made possible, allowing the implementation of even more diversified and complex agroforestry systems. This expanded the management strategies for maintaining and guaranteeing the community's food and nutritional security and sovereignty.
The ITS's agroecological actions contributed to a change in the perception of rural producers and traditional communities in the Atlantic Forest. These communities began to demonstrate the added value of sociobiodiversity and agroecological products, expressing an aspect of environmental conservation with social protagonism. Strengthening agroecological activities, which are already traditionally carried out in these communities, is also a political stance in defense of a production model that is contrary to that of agribusiness. This model has threatened not only the survival of traditional communities in Brazil, but also the balance of life on the planet, in addition to fueling a socioeconomic system that generates inequalities and injustices.
Other results achieved include:
Increasing the supply of agroecological foods through the implementation of a diversified orchard in Aldeia Araponga, highlighting the leading role of youth in the implementation.
Increasing the agrobiodiversity of agroecological systems through the introduction of seed varieties and support for traditional agroecosystem management practices.
Support for the Quilombo do Campinho in participating in the National School Feeding Program (PNAE) in the municipality of Paraty/RJ.
Support for the agroindustrialization of juçara palm fruits in the Quilombos of Campinho and Fazenda, through the acquisition of equipment necessary for processing and support with resources for harvesting logistics.
Preparation of reports required for the opening of new farms in Quilombo do Campinho.
Support with equipment, tools and resources for the logistics of carrying out joint efforts to manage agroecosystems in Quilombo do Campinho, Quilombo da Fazenda, Aldeia Itaxi and Aldeia Araponga.
Influence on the state legislature of Rio de Janeiro with a view to proposing public policies to support farmers and traditional communities that suffer production losses due to events caused by the climate crisis.
Increased advocacy and support for the participation of traditional communities, with an emphasis on youth, in agroecology networks and articulations at multiple scales.
Conducting training in management of enterprises in traditional communities related to the provision of food services and marketing of agroecological products and handicrafts.
These results demonstrate the positive impact of actions to strengthen agroextractivism and agroecology in traditional communities, promoting sustainability, socio-environmental justice and the appreciation of local knowledge and practices.