AGROECOLOGICAL FARMERS NUCLEOUS MONGE JOÃO MARIA/PR: ACTIONS TO CONSTRUCTION AN ALTERNATIVE TERRITORY

Abstract

This article is the result of a survey carried out with self-styled agroecologist farmers from the municipalities of Irati, Inácio Martins, Teixeira Soares, Rebouças and Rio Azul, which form the Núcleo Monge João Maria in the State of Paraná. The nucleus is understood as an engine for the construction of an alternative territory, for the promotion of agroecological agriculture, and as a form of resistance and emancipation. The objective was to understand the political and productive organization of these subjects, men and women who transform land into territory. This is a qualitative research with literature review, field work, informal conversations and semi-structured interviews. The research showed that the process of converting the conventional agricultural system to the agroecological system takes place on family properties through political and technical training, and that of the 61 farmers interviewed, 66% are in the agroecological transition phase. Farmers who have small areas of land have already carried out 100% of the conversion, while properties with larger areas face difficulties in this process. The study provides indicators on this scenario and shows the challenges to be overcome in order to maintain and improve the properties and quality of life of these people.