ETHNOGRAPHY OF PRACTICES RELATED TO AGRICULTURE AND FOOD HABITS IN A RURAL COMMUNITY OF THE NORTHERN COAST OF RIO GRANDE DO SUL

Resumen

This article presents some reflections generated in the implementation of the project “ Promotion of sustainable rural development in northeastern Rio Grande do Sul: extraction, local knowledge and environmental conser­vation”. This project sought to discuss: i) how specific ways of life may be revalued in the context of the Atlantic Forest conservation practices? ii ) how to articulate the local and wider society, to foster opportunities for rural development with recognition and respect for otherness dimensions? The article emphasizes the relationship between people and nature in the narra­tives about the past and present practices of farmers living in hillside areas of the North Coast of Rio Grande do Sul. In the constitution of the narrative process we seek to understand how spaces are organized, connecting plants, animals, water for productive logic and continuity of life. Finally, we highlight some elements that problematize the relationship between this way of life and the debate on rural development. Keywords: local practices, cultural heritage, social and environmental diversity, rural development.