Promotion of Regional Foods and Sustainability in Indigenous Communities of Mato Grosso do Sul: The CECANE Agroindustry Project

Abstract

The Centro Colaborador em Alimentação e Nutrição Escolar (CCANE), a project developed by the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), aims to promote the inclusion of regional foods, particularly native fruits from the Cerrado and Pantanal biomes, into the school feeding programs of indigenous communities in Mato Grosso do Sul. This extension project combines food processing, sustainability, and capacity-building activities for local indigenous populations. The project includes courses and workshops on food production, agro-industrialization, and good food safety practices, as well as the distribution of educational materials such as the Saberes do Cerrado e Pantanal collection. Key activities include training indigenous community members, especially women, in the processing of native fruits and the production of various food items, such as breads, cookies, juices, and jams. The project highlights the importance of community organization and dialogue with public authorities to overcome these obstacles. While significant progress has been made in food production and local empowerment, structural challenges continue to limit the full participation of indigenous communities in governmental food programs. This article discusses the project's achievements, challenges, and the lessons learned in promoting food sovereignty and sustainable practices among indigenous populations.