Economia Solidária (ES) como alternativa e modelo de transformação social na agricultura familiar fluminense

Abstract

Facing contemporary challenges like economic crises and social exclusion, the Solidarity Economy (SE) emerges as a promising alternative based on cooperation, solidarity, and shared management. It aims to transform production and distribution processes to promote work, income, and improved quality of life, as advocated by authors like Paul Singer. This research is situated within the context of Brazilian family agriculture, highlighting its economic and social vulnerability, which is exacerbated by climate change and the actions of multiple stakeholders. The SE is presented as a transformative tool in the world of work, fostering self-management and strengthening sustainable and collaborative practices, thereby aligning with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study focused on the state of Rio de Janeiro, with a particular emphasis on state public policies and the work of key institutions such as EMATER-RIO and CEASA-RJ. The central objective was to understand how the Solidarity Economy can contribute to public policy in Rio de Janeiro, aiming for social transformation within the state's family agriculture sector. The adopted methodology was qualitative data analysis, with an emphasis on documentary and bibliographical research, supplemented by an exploratory and descriptive investigation. The approach was grounded in the principles of solidarity economy, self-management, solidarity, sustainability, and social justice. These were complemented by in-depth interviews during the field research phase. Data analysis used Bardin's (2016) content analysis technique, structured into pre-analysis, material exploration, and results treatment, with a mixed grid of pre-defined and emergent categories. Interviews with professionals from EMATER-RIO and CEASA-RJ revealed a fundamental strategic complementarity between the two institutions in fostering the Solidarity Economy and supporting family agriculture in Rio de Janeiro. EMATER-RIO plays a significant role in developing the technical, organizational, and human capacities of farmers, seeking to improve the quality of life for families through a "rural extension pedagogy" that actively promotes self-management. Simultaneously, CEASA-RJ acts as a market articulation point, facilitating the flow of production and implementing essential public policies, such as the Food Acquisition Program (PAA), which directly connects the promotion of family farming with the population's food security. The integration of their actions expands the prominence of small rural producers and strengthens existing cooperative networks, exemplifying the synergy and hybridization of state and market logics in favor of society, as described by Laville's (2001) theory. The results of this research highlight the potential of the Solidarity Economy, when articulated through coordinated public policies and institutional actions, to promote significant social transformation in Rio de Janeiro's family agriculture. The synergy between EMATER-RIO and CEASA-RJ demonstrates an effective support model that goes beyond welfare, empowering farmers and integrating them into fairer and more sustainable production chains. The SE is not limited to being just an economic alternative; it's a model of development that strengthens autonomy, solidarity, and sustainability, directly contributing to the resilience and dignity of the state's rural communities