Verônica Salgueiro do Nascimento

Protagonismo social e suas contribuições para o desenvolvimento rural sustentável: um estudo de caso no município de Caririaçu-Ceará (Brasil)

This article aims to discuss the social leadership and sustainable rural development based on the experience of a peasant family residing in the municipality of Caririacu, state of Ceara (Brazil). The research subject, Dona Zefinha, leader of the community Sitio Sao Paulo, in Caririacu, emphasized the importance of agro-ecological experiences and its role as a driver for local development. We chose an approach based on qualitative description, conducted through literature search, non-structured interviews and participatory observation. The data were analyzed on the basis of their contents. From the perspective of sustainable rural development, Dona Zefinhas proposal is directly connected with the dimensions of sustainability, through her economic activities, the conservation of natural resources and popular education practices. Thus, it is possible to conclude that social leadership can and should be the means for the advancement of rural communities, especially those that resist the adversities of the semi-arid climate of the Brazilian Northeast region.