Territórios invisíveis: aspectos psicossociais do processo de transição agroecológica vivenciado por beneficiários do Projeto Paulo Freire no Cariri Cearense

Abstract

The debate on sustainable land management and agricultural production has gained strength since the 1990s, with this period being pivotal for the dissemination of Agroecology principles. This model advocates for ecologically responsible management of natural resources in agriculture, while also considering economic, social, and cultural dimensions in the planning and execution of its practices. One of the challenges for implementing these practices in family farming units is the agroecological transition process, which involves shifting from conventional production models to an ecological paradigm based on reducing chemical inputs and redesigning local production systems, with a focus on biodiversity. Considering this, the general objective of this thesis project is to analyze, through the lens of affectivity, the psychosocial aspects of the agroecological transition process experienced by farmers benefiting from the Paulo Freire Project in Cariri Cearense, Brazil. The specific objectives are: 1) to investigate how the implementation of agroecological transition strategies occurs through the actions of this public policy in the studied communities; 2) to analyze how the agroecological transition training process promoted by the project was impacted by the farmers’ affective relationships with their territory; and 3) to identify elements indicating the existence of a pro-ecological commitment among farmers who adopted the agroecological production model. This qualitative field research employed three data collection tools: documentary research, application of the Affective Mapping Tool, and Culture Circles. The collected data were analyzed using Content Analysis. Among the observed results, the affective maps most frequently reflected a sense of belonging, followed by contrasts and agreeableness, with affective bonds acting as key mobilizers for farmers’ adherence to the agroecological transition process promoted by the Paulo Freire Project. Among the psychosocial aspects influencing the promotion of agro-food systems in the lives of the studied population, the following stand out: 1) affective elements are crucial for securing farmers’ engagement in the agroecological transition; 2) active methods are more effective in stimulating farmer participation; 3) the consolidation of farmers’ pro-ecological commitment, as well as their involvement in agroecological activities, is directly linked to subjective factors and living/working conditions; and 4) subjectivity is vital to understanding target groups’ adherence to or disengagement from public policies. It is concluded that the agroecological transition process, combined with an understanding of farmers’ affective ties to their environment, can strengthen their connection to the land, fostering ecologically responsible behaviors and care for the countryside as a territory of life and work.