Juventude na agricultura familiar do território da Borborema no estado da Paraíba: Uma análise econômica e ecológica do agroecossistema

Abstract

One of the issues that commonly involves discussions about rural youth is rural permanence and exodus and, consequently, how this relates to the construction of the identity of rural youth, given that their permanence in the countryside is, in fact, influenced by a series of factors, including economic, political and sociocultural aspects. The development of family farming and the quality of life in rural areas play an important role in young people's decisions about whether to remain or leave these areas. It is crucial to address these determinants in a comprehensive manner, ensuring an environment that is favorable to the permanence of young people in the countryside. Another aspect of great relevance is contextualized education, which provides sustainable development and engagement with the localreality. It is necessary to include knowledge in school curricula that integrates content on agriculture, agroecology, sustainable management of natural resources, in addition to valuing local culture and traditions. The aim of this study, supported by the LUME method, is to analyze the economy and ecology of the agroecosystems of a young family from the Borborema territory, in the state of Paraíba. This raises two hypotheses: the first is that the various forms ofsocio-productive insertion promoted for young people in family farming promote their emancipation in the countryside; and the second is that the autonomy of rural youth in their agroecosystems guarantees greater interaction in socio-technical networks. This interaction contributes to access to public policies and promotes alternative technologies in the various production systems in which young people are involved, whether they are plant or animal production, contributing to the generation and expansion of income. The research concluded that the participation of young people in various spaces of productive and social integration guarantees their permanence in the countryside producing, generating income, having access to public policies and access to territorial markets. There is a youth movement that is gaining strength and expression in the territory and has been standing out in various production spaces in the agroecosystems. On the other hand, there is a structural challenge faced by young people, access to land, water and other public policies that favor their permanence. In addition, the closure of schools and full-time schools is another factor that concerns rural youth. Another aspect highlighted by youth is gender inequality between young menand young women, which needsto be reflected uponwithin the youthmovement to ensure debate in search of new strategies.