Coletivos em movimento

The present study aims to analyse the relevance of Action Research as a guiding method for rural territorial development in rural communities, based on the hypothesis that this approach is effective in mobilizing local actors for the collective resolution of problems while valuing knowledge related to food and territory. The research was carried out through the NAPI Food and Territory project of (New Research and Innovation Arrangements), a public policy initiative of the State System of Science, Technology, and Innovation of Paraná, operating in three communities in the coastal region of Paraná, southern Brazil: Comunidade Agroflorestal José Lutzenberger, Comunidade Candonga, and Comunidade do Guaraguaçu. NAPI employed participatory methodologies structured in three stages: awareness-raising, thematic development, and evaluation. The results indicate that Action Research is an effective method for rural territories organized into collectives, as it strengthens local protagonism and enhances community organization. However, the simple application of predefined steps proves insufficient; it is essential to combine the method with participatory methodologies to ensure horizontality and the autonomy of local actors. The study concludes that effective territorial development requires the recognition and valorisation of local knowledge and territorial resources

Rural and Ethnic Education · Rural Development and Agriculture · Social and Economic Solidarity