The force of the guardians: participatory research with the Sementes da Liberdade in Sergipe

Abstract

The experience is related to the participative construction of a research with creole seeds
in the territory of the Sergipe High Sertão in a partnership of the Small Farmers’ Movement
(MPA), Embrapa Coastal Tablelands and Federal Institute of Sergipe. In order to analyze the
performance of landraces and commercial varieties, a comparative trial was installed in the
Retiro community, Monte Alegre of Sergipe, State of Sergipe. The research involved peasant
guardians from 7 communities in the territory, who participated in all phases of the study, from
the implementation of the trial to the discussion of the results. From the evaluation carried out
by the peasants it was possible to conclude that the creole seeds showed better results when
assessed criterion was animal consumption, the main purpose of planting for farmers in the
region. The experience awakened the experimenters to look for farmers and assisted in the
process of recognition and appreciation of creole seeds.