Systematization of experiences: a strategy for the collective construction of knowledge in agroecology

Transdisciplinarity. Agroecological practices. Family farming.

In the context of the crisis of the hegemonic model of production, followed by food awareness and well-being, agroecology emerges as a scientific proposal and presents a set of actions and strategies that underlie the new paradigm of rural development, with an emphasis on family farming. The densification and diffusion of agroecological experiences have broadened the view on its importance and have provided a social and political environment suitable for the exchange of innumerable articulations and networks in order to contribute to this growth. In this perspective, the process of systematizing experiences in agroecological agriculture becomes an essential tool for promoting the exchange of the development paradigm for “Bem Viver”. The latter is in constant construction and presents itself as a criticism of inconsequential consumption in terms of environmental degradation and, while synonymous with happiness, seeks to privilege the balance between well-being and sustainability. Through this process, it is possible to critically reflect on the agroecological practices experienced in a community and articulate them to a national policy to strengthen agroecological knowledge. This research verifies the assumptions of the relevance of the systematization of experience in the agroecological field and in family agriculture. The objective is to systematize agroecological practices in family farming centers of the Bem Viver Group located in the municipality of Cacoal – RO. The research was participatory with collective interaction between family members and dialogue with all actors who participated in the process. The methodology followed the steps proposed to systematize Oscar Jara Holliday's experiences, with adaptations. Each step was identified in the form of a synthesis of its main activities and processes, it took place over 12 months and the main learnings were identified and described so that they can be shared.The systematization process allowed to identify the potential and limitations regarding the practices on crop diversification and soil management in the studied region. It improved the group's agroecological practices and created conditions for sharing. Deepened the concepts and dialogues about agroecological knowledge, recovered, recorded and communicated the trajectory of the Bem Viver group. There was learning with everyone involved from the experiences, there was the construction of knowledge between the group and for other groups, all of these characteristics were important strategies for strengthening agroecological knowledge and family farming in Brazil and especially in the region of study.