A atuação do Conselho Municipal de Desenvolvimento Agropecuário de Herval (RS) sob a ótica do capital social

Abstract

The contribution of social capital to local and regional development processes has been discussed since the 1990s. This dissertation is part of this debate, based on an investigation that seeks to analyze the performance of the Municipal Council for Agricultural Development in the municipality of Herval/ RS and the social organizations that make up this environment with regard to social capital, as well as how its operation changes the dynamics of local institutional relations. The theoretical framework of the research is centered on i) the main theoretical approaches regarding social capital, taking up the works of Bourdieu (1983), Coleman (1988) and Putnam (1993); ii) in the perspective of local development based on social participation, adopted by Abramovay (2001) and Moyano (2009) and iii) in the analysis of social networks discussed by Granovetter (1973). The research also presents a reflection on the difficulties with regard to the participation and renewal of representatives of social organizations, as well as aspects related to trust and cooperation between social actors. Several research techniques were used to carry out data collection, among which are direct observation in monthly meetings of the CMDA and the application of semi-structured interviews with representatives of social organizations. Also, a documentary research was carried out in minutes, folders, documents from the Municipality of Herval, EMATER and local newspaper. From the data obtained, it was possible to draw a profile of the communities and their networks of relationships. The interviews, in turn, revealed the importance that the groups assume as they allow the establishment of other types of social ties (community associations, unions, cooperatives and other informal social organizations), which ensure them access to resources that do not they would be available if they did not participate in the CMDA (exchange of information, access to public policies, courses, etc.). The investigation made it possible to examine the participation and repercussions of this process in the community, whose results indicate that the democratic experiences lived by the social organizations of the settlements contribute to the exchange of information and affirmation of reciprocity ties, both with internal and external actors to the groups, the which has repercussions on the expansion of its share capital.