Training of rural youths in agroecology and citizenship in the semi-arid region of Minas Gerais/Brazil

Abstract

The implementation of the course “Training of Rural Youths in Agroecology and Citizenship”
was a result from the “Agrobiodiversity Plan” for the semi-arid region of Minas Gerais which
included the youths in their proposals for actions. It was funded by SAF / MDA and was based
on the demands of CONTAG. It aimed at training-in-action methodology, and focused
on strengthening citizenship, emancipation, socio-productive inclusion, and was referenced
in agroecology as a promoter of youth protagonism. The course occurred between 2015 and
2016. Its methodological principles were based on pedagogical alternation, and on “SEE-REFLECT-
ACT”. As a result, 60 young people were directly trained, and about 900 young people
were indirect trained. At the end of the course, the youngsters presented 47 community-based
productive projects grouped into 4 major thematic areas: Production and Income Generation;
Community Infrastructure; Environment; Training and Culture. This process led young people
to demonstrate the complexity and diversity of the rural youths gaze to their realities, enabling
them to understand agroecology for its productive, social and cultural aspects.