Participatory experimental units at context of agroforestry action-research

Abstract

The article discuss about Participatory Experimental Unit (PEU) as a viable strategy for the
construction of agroecological knowledge in agroforestry systems (SAFs). For approximately
seven years, Embrapa Clima Temperado has supported a set of actors and institutions in the
process of implementing and managing UEPs/SAFs. Nowadays, 15 UEPs/SAFs have been implemented
in rural establishments. These experimental areas on farmers have served to hold
events, which serve to exchange knowledge and formation of agroforestry networks. UEPs/
SAFs are methodological tools of agroforestry research-action, that makes possible the valorization
of local knowledge, assemble different actors, institutions and cognitive bases. Technicians,
students, farmers and consumers, each with its knowledge matrix, find in these areas
the possibility of action-reflection-action, so that these experiences consolidate themselves as
living references of the agro-ecological transition of local agri-food systems.