Avanços e conflitos no programa de ATES no Rio Grande do Sul: análise do programa na perspectiva dos extensionistas da EMATER

Abstract

The actual study aimed to investigate the Rural Extension services, provided for settled families in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, especially the services offered from 2009, when contracts were set up for Social and Environmental Technical Assistance (ATES). The study is based on the literature review for the content, a questionnaire made with the Emater's/RS extensionists that work for the ATES, and the author's experience that was faced for more than six years, providing and advising services of ATES. Among the studied transformations, noteworthy the advances related to social control, universalization services, approximation of the covered content to the reality of the settlements. Although the EMATER's extensionists recognize these advances, they show a serie of conflicts raised after the implementation of contracts made with providers, particularly those relating to excessive bureaucracy and workload, which affect the quality of the services provided. This study discusses these issues with a view to contribute to the reflection of stakeholders about alternatives to qualify the ATES program in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.