REPORT ON THE EXTENSION PROJECT FOOD AND NUTRITION EDUCATION: RURAL WOMEN IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF ALEGRE AND GUAÇUÍ

Abstract

In the work routine of the teams involved in the project, it was possible to observe that families in rural areas
often left aside a healthy diet, replacing it with unhealthy foods. These reflections gave rise to the idea of developing
this project, the overall aim of which was to improve the health and quality of life of rural women in the municipalities
of Alegre and Guaçuí through food and nutrition education strategies. Women from two rural communities in Alegre
took part in the activities developed in the project, involving the Floresta Settlement and the Sumidouro community.
In Guaçuí, rural women from six communities took part, including the Luiz Taliuly Neto and Florestan Fernandes
settlements, the São Pedro de Rates, Córrego do Apolinário and Santo Antônio communities and the Córrego do
Sossego quilombola community. The aim was to work on the issue of food and nutritional security in a shared way
between the institutions: Incaper, Ufes, the municipal governments of Alegre and Guaçuí, and rural communities,
promoting exchange and building new knowledge. We have employed participatory methodologies intending to
achieve the project’s objectives. The project provided opportunities for women to make healthier food choices through
seminars and exchanging knowledge about nutrition. An example was the implementation of home vegetable gardens
to promote the diversification of agricultural products. Additionally, the project encouraged the use of technology to
add value to raw materials produced in rural areas, allowing families to extend the shelf life of fresh products, thereby
reducing the risks of losses and waste. Furthermore, adhering to the principles of agroecology, the project promoted
the appreciation of women’s activities in rural areas. Rural women can now market the surplus production in programs
aimed at strengthening family agriculture.