THE SANTA FÉ PILOT PROJECT: RURAL ORGANIZATION AND UNIVERSITY EXTENSION

Abstract

The pilot project began in 1988 as a result of a request made by the community of Santa Fé to the Federal University of Goiás, in order to collaborate with community development specially to assist the Association of Small Rural Producers, founded that year, as well as The Women’s Association in existence since 1979. The main objective of this extension project of the University, in partnership with the community, is the improvement of the quality of life of the population of Santa Fé de Goiás. It is a region characterized by a high concentration of land ownership, by the increase of large land holdings and by the gradual disappearance of small land holdings. The university participates through the Department of Rural Economy - in various ways: making projects to raise money [CIMADE (A French ecumenical organization), FUNDEC, Banco do Brasil, the Government of the State of Goiás and others]; organizing requested training courses; making trips to other communities in order to share experiences doing market research; seeking alternatives for the buying of input and selling of output; making budgets, rendering of accounts, writing letters, reports and evaluations, etc. What stands out here is our concern to never dictate the way but to show alternatives, discuss them with the associates and always follow their decision. It is an action of educational dialogue and not imposition.

KEY-WORDS: Rural development; rural organization; university extension.