Research and extension: the union efforts to fight the challenges of rural development

Abstract

The collaboration of different institutions to find alternatives to solve problems and strengthen family farming has proven to be a solution for rural development. The goal of this study was to analyze the cooperative research and extension within the economic development of the Lagoa Grande Rural Settlement (in Dourados/MS) with the participation of its local population. The methodology is based on field research with use of primary data in two phases: the first, with the analysis of data obtained from the families settled through use of questionnaires and the second, from an extension project that contributed to the improvement of living conditions in the settlement through various workshops about rural learning. Due to the difficulties the research identified, we sought alternatives and solutions for rural development together with local stakeholders. The results show the importance of organizations working collaboratively to address problems. The exchange of knowledge between the local residents with the entities of research and extension can lead to new opportunities, as well as guiding farmers’ attitudes in the settlement transformation process.