Social Innovation and Solidary Constructions: the case of family agro-industries in the Paraíba Semi-arid - Brazil

Abstract

The objective was analyzing the family agroindustries regarding the diversification of the agricultural activity in the Semiarid of Paraíba - Brazil. The methodological aspects were based on two structuring concepts: family farming and solidarity economy. The procedures adopted were: sensitization in locus; prospection; bibliographic survey; and descriptive analysis. As for the results, we highlight the experiences built intuitively by women farmers and farmers, and the next moment in the search for organization seek to set up the Sertanejo Forum of the Solidarity Economy, which provides support for the orientation of collective practices. Therefore, there was a strengthening of the Várzea Comprida de Oliveiras Rural Associations, located in Pombal/PB; Riacho dos Currais in São Bentinho/PB and; Poços de Baixo in Teixeira/PB and, consequently, the establishment of agro industries "Bolo das Oliveiras", "Emana Mel" and "Sabor da Serra", with 19, 12 and 25 farmers. The production varies between cake making and bakery derivatives, through the processing of honey and fruit pulp processing. These productive activities are emerging in the region both in terms of the organization and the leading role of women in leadership and ensuring the sovereignty of food and nutrition security first in the community and then influencing eating habits in cities as well as control and methods to avoid wastage and the preservation of the elements of nature. It was concluded that the actions developed are proving to be contributions to the transformation of family agriculture.