A extensão rural e a perspectiva de gênero na agricultura familiar: a atuação do IPA junto à Associação Municipal Mulher Flor do Campo

Abstract

Focusing mainly on the relationship between extension and gender perspective in family farming, this article seeks to understand and describe technical assistance and rural extension efforts directed toward rural women. Through a qualitative basic methodology, this work refers to actions taken by Instituto Agronômico de Pernambuco (IPA) municipal office regarding farmers belonging to Associação Municipal Mulher Flor do Campo, located in Santa Cruz da Baixa Verde. A survey adressing the actions developed by IPA, particularly between 2008 and 2014, enabled to list some significant achievements, such as the inclusion of their families in government programs, the incentive of non-agricultural activities and the technical qualification of the group. Furthermore, despite the changes in socioeconomic and productive conditions of farmers, these actions also allowed women to rescue their citizenship and self-esteem.