Questão agrária e campesinato: a feira agroecológica como uma estratégia de consolidação camponesa

Abstract

The agrarian question is a problem that is not limited to the land issue, but unfolds into various dilemmas faced by peasants. The research aims at discussing the role of a path of peasant resistance in the northern region of Ceará: the Agroecological Fair (FA). It was sought to understand how the peasantry has used Agroecology to face the pressures of capital. It was delimited as the universe of the study the group of marketers agroecological and solidary from fair of Itapipoca and fair of Trairi totaling ten families. The FA are alternative marketing channels that enable the peasants greater autonomy in relation to the results of their work at the same time that democratizes access to food without pesticides. Based on the theorists who think the peasantry beyond the economic outlook and Agroecology as a way for rural development, we sought to identify the strategies undertaken by farmers and the results arising. The methodology included literature review and field research. The plantation and agroecological fair were visited. Interviews semistructured taped were realized with peasants-marketer, agricultural technicians and consumers. It was found that agroecological techniques are contributing to the recovery of soils and are more efficient than conventional practices during periods of drought. It was observed that marketing through agroecological fair entails a significant increase in the income of peasants and induces diversification of production, which reflects a improved diet and promotes food security for families. The FA studied allows consumers access to safer products and fair prices. Social relations developed at the fairs transcends the economic dimension, generating friendships based on trust and solidarity.