Mulheres guardiãs e as sementes da tradição: gênero, autonomia e conservação de sementes crioulas no Mato Grande/RN

Abstract

The hegemonic model of food production has been questioned by different actors who have been concerned with environmental issues. This agroexporting model, historically prioritized by Latin American governments, including Brazil, does not take into account the diversity of popular knowledge and the importance of building food systems that think of other ways to articulate and incorporate the defense of natural resources and biodiversity. In this context, it is observed that the production and recovery of native seeds become important elements for peasant resistance and autonomy, especially for women, who have demonstrated an important role in this process. Thus, the present research had the general objective of understanding the role that women guardians play in the conservation of native seeds in the territory. The specific objectives were to map and collect data to identify who are the women seed keepers in the territory, as well as the work they do, in order to identify those who are in charge of the seed houses. We also aimed to understand the trajectories of these women, their native seed crops, and to what extent these experiences are able to contribute to the food and nutritional security of their families, settlements, and communities. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with the women keepers to collect data regarding their identification and to study their trajectories. Documentary research was also used to add information about this policy. A characterization of the study area was also made, with the identification of the seed houses that belong to the territory (how many and which ones). The main debates resulting from the research involve issues of gender and ruralities, highlighting the role of women farmers in the construction of sustainable agrifood systems and food and nutritional security.