FARIAS, M. L. L.; http://lattes.cnpq.br/9953415162741559; FARIAS, Maria de Lourdes de Lima.
Abstract:
The Association of Farmers and Fruit Growers of New Forest (AFRUNOF) is a non-
profit, non-profit organization with no ftxed headquarters, with responsibilities of ali
partners, with the objective of providing services tbat contribute to the organization and
social integration of Farmers and fruit growers in the municipality of Nova Floresta-PB,
improving people's quality of life. Today, Afrunof has 40 members, mostly family
farmers, from the city of Nova Floresta who produce and market fresb fruits such as
passion fruit (maio product). The objective of this research is to analyze the practices of
solidarity economy adopted in Afrunof. The research is part of a quantitative-qualitative
approach. The methodological procedures applied were observation, semi-structured
interview and application of questionnaires to the associares. The results obtained
demonstrated that Afrunof is characterized as a self-managing association. It assists in
the marketing of members' products tbrougb the government programs PAA and
PNAE. Afrunof provides tecbnical assistance and training for its members. Tbe results
also showed little understanding of the associates regarding associative and solidarity
economy issues. We conclude tbat the values of ECOSOL are implicitly associated with
the members, since they do not understand tbe solidarity economy, altbough tbe subject
has already been addressed in the association. Afrunof is characterized as a self-
managed association, but altboogh its members have a right to participare in the
decisions, there has been a still timid politicaJ conception of the associates, demonstrated
in the little involvement of its members in the discussions related to the functioning,
organization and administration of Afrunof, Demonstrating little understanding of the
associates as a democratic and participatory coUective organization. Botb associativism
and solidarity economy are ways of promoting the social inclusion of rural workers in
society. The values of solidarity economy are present in Afrunof, in the way it is
managed, in the relationship of mutual aid and union among associates, but these values
need to be better stimulated so tbat they go beyond the doors of the association and
reach the local community, promoting In the municipality a social, political and citizen
transformation. In the absence of effective poblic policies in the region, solidarity
economy can become an alternative for small producers because it is a oew way of
making savings. We also conclude that there are some obstacles to be overcome by the
association: the stimulation of the participation of women in associative activities, since
during tbe researcb there was ao absence of female presence, as weU as encouraging tbe
members to return to scbooJ so tbat tbey can Complete their studies and tbus awaken to
a more criticai, autonomous aod participatory awareness. Afrunof bas tbe potential to
overcome tbese cbaUenges, sioce it bas been developing a significant work in the life of
tbe associates over almost nine years.
