The peasant women movement and the seeding of new perspectives: the meanings of (re) production of creole seeds for women in the west of Santa Catarina

Abstract

This study deals with the reasons that motivate the women of the Peasant Women Movement (Movimento das Mulheres Camponesas - MMC) to produce food by cultivation of creole seeds. An analysis was carried out to know the women’s practices and perceptions about the production and multiplication of the creole seeds and its possible contribution to the food production in a sustainable way in the city of Itá, in the west of Santa Catarina. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews and non-participant observation, whereas the analysis of information collected was done through content analysis. One of the most important findings was that women realize the purpose of the MMC to drive their participation on the public spaces and to value their daily activities. The cultivation of the creole seeds is a symbol of the struggle for Food sovereignty, integrating the production of healthy food and the valorization of the role of women in the family and social realms.