Do campo à universidade: mulheres quilombolas e a comercialização de produtos na UFGD

Abstract

Family farming in Brazil has been consolidated as a viable alternative for sustainable production, especially among traditional populations such as quilombola communities. This study addresses female leadership in rural areas, emphasizing the social and economic transformations driven by a university extension project with women from the Dezidério Felipe de Oliveira Rural Black Quilombola Community, located in Dourados (MS). The study aimed to evaluate the social and economic impacts of implementing a project focused on the production and commercialization of artisanal food products, with the goal of strengthening family income, promoting female empowerment, and valuing cultural identity. The adopted methodology was based on a quali-quantitative approach, with the collection of empirical data through field observations, the application of questionnaires to consumers, and analysis of revenues obtained during one week of product sales at the Convention Center of the Federal University of Grande Dourados (UFGD). The results showed that the production and sale of foods such as chipas, juices, cakes, snacks, and other items significantly contributed to increasing the family income of the participants, while also enhancing the leadership role of women within the community. It was found that the nine best-selling products accounted for approximately 80% of sales during the analyzed period, with daily gross revenue ranging from R$ 822.00 to R$ 2,429.00. Based on these data, financial estimates were projected indicating an average monthly revenue of R$ 31,909.17 and an annual estimate of R$ 287,182.50, considering regular sales periods, excluding holidays and seasonality. These figures reinforce the economic viability of the initiative and its long term sustainability potential. The women reported improvements in quality of life, increased self-esteem, and social recognition, including stories of investment in their children's education using the income generated. It is concluded that the analyzed extension project had a significant positive impact on the lives of the participating women, promoting economic autonomy, university-community integration, and cultural reaffirmation, establishing itself as a social innovation initiative with potential for replication in other rural contexts.