Municipal Fund for Sustainable Rural Development: a successful experience in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim-ES

Abstract

When it became clear that 92% of the rural properties in the municipality of Cachoeiro de Itapemirimin
the State of Espírito Santo, are family-based, the local government decided to take
action. At the beginning of 2009 the local government implemented a series of participatory
actions so to ensure farmers felt both valued and determined, and an effort to encourage them
to continue their work in the countryside. Through the government’s actions, priority was given
to the development and strengthening of rural organizations, granting the full functioning of the
Municipal Council for Sustainable Rural Development (CMDRS), and the implementation of
the Municipal Sustainable Rural Development Fund (FMDRS). The plan also included several
other projects such as the implementation of the Agricultural Family School and those of government
purchases. The fund is fed from various sources, all connected to activities related
to the rural environment. This plans continues to be responsible for generating numerous work
opportunities and new income in the rural environment of Cachoeiro de Itapemirim. There is a
special focus dedicated to organized groups of women who have found opportunities to increase
the income of their families, which provides the potential for improved quality of life in the
countryside. The FMDRS has been an important tool in the accomplishment of events related to agroecology, in the implementation of agroecological gardens, in the construction of small
dams and dry boxes and in the protection of springs. Those who manage the FMDRS are CMDRS
advisors and the Fund resources reach organizations through public calls.