Decrecimiento y agroecología: La experiencia del Movimiento de Trabajadores Rurales Sin Tierra (MST) en campamentos y asentamientos rurales en el Gran São Paulo, Brasil

Abstract

This article examines the significance of rural social movements in the transition processes from conventional agriculture to agro-sustainable practices. Utilizing the concept of degrowth, this research conducts a comparative analysis of four rural units (camps/settlements) with and without the presence of the Landless Workers’ Movement (MST) in Greater São Paulo. The study reflects on the essential elements for agroecological transition processes within these communities by exploring the historical and constitutive data of the agricultural social practices implemented therein. By identifying the importance of political and technical training processes as the foundation for the actions undertaken by the MST in the realm of sustainability, this work analyzes the experience of the Movement’s camps as loci that cultivate “landless subjects” capable of undertaking agro-sustainable actions. The article concludes with reflections on the relevance of degrowth theories for analyzing agroecological transition processes, as well as on the significance of environmental educational measures as fundamental components of public policies aimed at constructing more egalitarian, autonomous, inclusive, and sustainable societies.