The MST experience of agroecology in agrarian reform settlements in Brazil

Abstract

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do conhecimento), prática social e matriz tecnológica, as concepções de Agroecologia ainda estão em construção. As práticas agroecológicas estão presentes em assentamentos, mas permeadas por conflitos e tensões, representam desafios e exigem esforços para sua real efetividade como parte de um novo projeto societário do MST.
Palavras-chave: MST; Agroecologia; Reforma agrária, Brasil.
Abstract
This paper is a result of a field research for the Master Program of Environment and Rural Development (Mader), that studied the relationship between concepts of Agroecology of the Movement of Landless Rural Workers (MST) and an agro-ecological experience in the Cunha settlement, located in the municipality of Cidade Ocidental, state of Goiás, Brazil. Taking this settlement as an agro-ecological experience of the MST, the central concern was the questions: What is the MST‟s concept of Agroecology? What are the different historical moments and stages of Agroecology in the MST? How was the agro-ecological experience of the Cunha settlement? The research strategy used was a qualitative case study, with observation in locu and interviews to collect data and taking notes in a filed diary. Assumed as a political stand since 2007 and understood as science (knowledge), social practice and technological matrix, the concepts of Agroecology are still under construction. Agro-ecological practices are present in settlements, but permeated by conflicts and tensions, representing challenges and requiring efforts for effectiveness as part of the MST‟s new social and political project.