Meu quintal é meu laboratório: vivências em agroecologia de agricultoras camponesas no sudoeste do Paraná

Abstract

This study analyzed the experiences in agroecology of female peasant farmers in the Southwest of Paraná, Southern Brazil. The research carried out is qualitative, through the method of topical life history, developed through participant observation and semi-structured interviews. The interlocutors were seven peasant farmers, involved with agroecology and inserted in the spaces of production, socialization and commercialization, in a circuit of four open fairs. It is noteworthy as a result that, in relation to social gender roles, all women are crossed by hierarchies and structural delegitimization of the patriarchal model in agriculture. The reports showed that, in most cases, women are the most enthusiastic and the ones who started working with agroecology, and when they are not, this is mainly due to the overload due to the increase in the workday without the accomplishment the sexual division of work in the family. When observed, in the interlocutors' trajectory, the sale of rural property or the concerns caused by the imminent departure of one of the successors of the property and productive activity, are male decisions that put an end to agroecological production. It is noteworthy that, from the adherence to agroecology, there were changes that resulted in the recognition of the work and the leading role of the interlocutors, providing greater autonomy and changing some of the models and expectations of their fathers, husbands, brothers, partners and children. However, it is still men who are in public spaces for marketing and technical training.