Formative Processes in Agroecology and Non-formal Education

a possible interaction?

Abstract

The present research aimed to analyze the agroecological formative processes offered to Farmers of 72 Settlement and the establishment of the Agroecological Bem Estar Farmers Group (Agroecological Well-Being Farmers Group) based on the principles of non-formal education. It was a qualitative and field research that used the recurrent interview as a data collection instrument. According to the study it was possible to verify that the group demonstrated their needs and expectations. They have been met and feel satisfied with the process and results that the group has been providing in their lives. They have shown a taste for food cultivation, as well as constantly gaining new knowledge and skills, strengthen friendships, and the organized sales contribute to increase family income, they have been feeling empowered and belonging to society and, above all, the improvement in quality of life. Based on the statements, it was understood that this process of non-formal education was extremely importance for the people who are part of the Bem Estar Group, as well as the training process served the purposes and objectives proposed by this type of education, since it welcomed the interests of the group and promoted: the construction of collective identity; capacity building for agroecological production; social inclusion; and economic growth and improvement in the living conditions of the families involved in the process.