A feira Agroufam como ambiente de inovação socioambiental da produção familiar amazônica Manaus/AM 2025

Abstract

This study analyzes the AGROUFAM Fair as a territorial experience of socio-environmental innovation within the context of Amazonian family farming. Recognizing fairs as historical spaces of commercialization, sociability, and circulation of knowledge, the study aims to understand how the socio-productive, organizational, and territorial dynamics of AGROUFAM contribute to the construction of sustainable economic alternatives, with emphasis on labor, income, gender, network governance, and learning processes. The research adopts a qualitative–quantitative approach, grounded in a literature review, document analysis, application of socio-economic questionnaires to 18 family farming enterprises, semi-structured interviews, and participatory workshops using SWOT Matrix and World Café methodologies. Data analysis was conducted through content analysis, articulating empirical evidence with the theoretical framework. The results indicate that the AGROUFAM Fair goes beyond its role as a marketplace, constituting a socially constructed territory in which diversified productive practices, collective organizational arrangements, and cooperative relationships are articulated. Participation in the fair contributes significantly to the socio-economic reproduction of farming families, particularly through income diversification, value addition to products, and the development of alternative marketing models. The findings highlight the central role of women in socio-productive organization and management, as well as the relevance of participatory governance mechanisms, supported by assemblies, a management committee, internal regulations, and a solidarity fund. The innovations identified are predominantly process-based, emerging from everyday experimentation, knowledge exchange, and adaptation to Amazonian territorial conditions. The participatory construction of future scenarios revealed both current constraints and desired pathways for strengthening the fair, emphasizing the importance of institutional support, market expansion, and territorial recognition. It is concluded that the AGROUFAM Fair represents a strategic space for socio-environmental innovation in Amazonian family farming, by articulating culture, territory, network governance, and solidarity economy, offering relevant contributions to public policies, university extension actions, and initiatives aimed at sustainable territorial development.