Sustentabillidade e metodologias participativas: a experiência dos agricultores participantes da metodologia MESMIS na região central do RS

Abstract

The present work investigate, from a sustainability perspective, the contribution of family farmers in the agroecological transition, from the Central Territory Region to the teaching/learning processes in agroecology. We present elements that seek to highlight the importance of farmers' experiences, as well as their relationship with agroecosystems, in the construction and exchange of knowledge and learning. This work was elaborated from the analysis of dialogues and relationships that were presented in this material from the methodology Marc for the Evaluation of Natural Resource Management Systems incorporating Sustainability Indicators, or MESMIS. This activity was accomplished by the Center for Studies in Agroecology, Agrobiodiversity and Sustainability Prof. José Antônio Costabeber, from December 2013. The research uses documentaries, interviews, photographs and audiovisual material collected between April 2015 and June 2016. Currently, eight (8) agroecosystems still contributing to the work related to the methodology. And from this group we present the research questioning how cultural diversity, production strategies, concepts on agroecology and the environmental issue contribute to the maintenance of sustainability. We also present the importance of participatory methodologies and the permanent questioning of the scientific paradigm as essential for the production of relevant research and works that value the farmer's experience.