A dinâmica institucional inerente à produção artesanal do fermentado de jabuticaba, no semiárido alagoano

Abstract

The semi-arid region is a heterogeneous space involving various institutional actors, as well as a wealth of unique structural and symbolic aspects. In this contribution, we aim to interpret, from the perspective of institutional relationships, the artisanal production of jabuticaba fermented drink in the semi-arid region of Alagoas. The theoretical framework employed is institutional theory, drawing upon logical approaches and institutional relationships. In our methodological approach, which is qualitative and descriptive-interpretative in nature, primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews, informal conversations, and direct participant observation with farmers involved in the cultivation and production of the fermented drink. For analysis, we used the Inductive Research-Action (IRA) method. The results show that since 2017, farmers have been legitimizing a process of institutional collaboration, particularly with the Federal University of Alagoas, the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), and the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (SEBRAE).