Participação de trabalhadores rurais em assentamento de reforma agrária: o caso da Fazenda Vereda Grande, MG

Abstract

The aim of the present research was to study the process of organization and participation of agricultura small producers in the agrarian reform project Vereda Grande, município of São Francisco, Minas Gerais . The theoretical framework of the research was based upon studies on social participatrion, and the action of the State in rural development programs. Methodologically, it was a type of qualitative field work combined with documentary analysis. The peasant group's present organizational structure was a result of the struggle for land in which its members were involved. For a better understanding of that process, the research had three well defined moments: a) historical analysis of the group-s formation and development; b) the action of the state; c) the process of participation in the project. The research showed difficulties associated with the struggle to take over the land for agrarian reform and mainly the lack of compromise of the State in the case. At the same time, it was possible to understand the role of agricultural workers' leaderships and of members of non-governmental organization (NGO's) in assisting the group to acquire criticai consciousness in order to understand the political context in which the peasants live. As a result the group seek to organize, articulate with similar groups, and assume types of action that may increase its countervailing power to other groups with conflicting interests.