As mulheres na agricultura familiar e a convivência com o semiárido no assentamento angélica em aparecida – PB.

Abstract

This paper presents a study carried out in Assentamento Angélica (Angelica Settlement), located in the city of Aparecida, state of Paraíba, which involved women from family farming. The theme’s choice is related to the need of analyzing women’s coexistence with semi-arid Northeast and the impacts caused in water management, production for self-consumption and female empowerment. It is a qualitative study, more specifically a case study, that used (auto)biographic narrative research as a technique. Data was collected through interviews, conversations, and field diary. Concerning the research subject, the women agreed to the following topics: interest and availability to participate of systematic meetings. For the analysis of the material, a categorization of information/data was carried out in themes or categories that help to understand what is behind the speeches. Results point that women learned to deal with water scarcity, making good use of water from artesian wells and cisterns for planting in their backyards, feeding, drinking, washing clothes, dishes and other domestic activities. With the conscious use of water, women have guaranteed the production of food for self-consumption. In addition, the food produced symbolizes the family gatherings, providing moments of sociability and identity construction of the farmers’ families. Regarding working relationships, women have demonstrated empowerment in decision-making processes at home and other spaces that they participate