Multi-activities from an agroecological perspective: contributions to the goals of sustainable development

Abstract

This article presents the findings of an activity that combined agro-ecological, multidisciplinary, and inclusive aspects, undertaken with the aim of disseminating the goals of sustainable development. The work was carried out in 2019 by the Education for Transformation Extension Project: Environment and Health, of the University of Vale do Itajaí (Univali), Santa Catarina State, Brazil. The target groups were female agriculturalists from the Vale do Itajaí region, as well as academics, teachers, and students from state schools. The work received the support of the Coordination for Regional Education (CRE) of Itajaí and the community in general, reaching approximately 2,500 people directly and 12,000 people indirectly. The methodological approach was based on Freire´s culture circle system employing discussion wheels. The activities were evaluated to elucidate the impacts of the different activities, with the aim of validating the various strategies adopted. It could be inferred that they contributed to the strengthening of autonomy, stimulating active participation of the public involved in the construction of knowledge concerning sustainable agriculture. Organizing and managing the sales of agroecological products from the cultivations of women farmers in the Solidarity Economy Fair, as well as in product baskets based on the model of the Community that Sustains Agriculture (CSA), provided food security and independence, financial emancipation, and social inclusion. The management of wastes reduced solid organic waste by more than ninety tons, minimizing environmental impacts. The agricultural system based on agroecological principles provides high levels of diversity and resilience, with excellent potential for the local production of healthy foods that are essential for rural and urban communities.