Associação Aroeira, Piaçabuçu - Alagoas: um olhar a partir da economia solidária

Abstract

Associativism as a set of solidarity and democratic practices emerges as new socioeconomic alternatives that are formed with the integration of individuals acting autonomously and inclusively to reduce social exclusion. The objective of this study is to verify to what extent the productive practices of sustainable extractivism contributed to the improvement of the socioeconomic conditions of the members of the Aroeira Association. The object of study of this research was the Aroeira Association located in Piaçabuçu, Alagoas. For the execution of this research was carried out a: (a) extensive literature review (bibliographical and documentary research) on the proposed theme; and (b) field research with interviews with the Directors and observations at the Aroeira Association. The study evidences as a contributing factor for the formation of the Aroeira Association to the extraction of natural resources available in the region of the Atlantic Forest by local social actors, using them in an effective and sustainable way favoring the preservation / conservation of biodiversity and also benefiting many families, generating employment and income. The Aroeira Association offered several training courses to the associate members, making the extractive practices more efficient, also presenting new forms of handling, labeling and packaging that added quality and value to the product and greater access to the market. However, a factor detrimental to the development of the Association is the lack of commitment of some associate members to dedicate themselves to all the activities carried out by the institution, of which they are owners. However, the Aroeira Association maintains its sustainability and is in the process of evolving its activities. The Association allows the extractivists to obtain autonomy, getting rid of the welfare that they are conditioned, using their work force to change the local reality. It is possible to highlight the activities carried out by women who, although suffering from gender discrimination, are very efficient, have become strong, independent and with their work contribute to the family income by modifying the structure of patriarchal domination.