Sistemas de Certificação Participativa e Ecoinovação: desafios à transição agroecológica no contexto da transformação digital de territórios rurais do centro-sul paranaense

Abstract

This thesis investigates the role of participatory agroecological certification systems in rural territories undergoing agroecological transition in the Center-South region of Paraná, Brazil. It explores the interactions between agroecological technological models promoted by major social actors—State, Science, and Market—and the traditional practices of family farmers who are the bearers of a rich biocultural heritage. The main research questions address the tensions and convergences between these rationalities, the adaptation of agroecological systems through participatory experiences, and the strengthening of environmental and socio-environmental autonomy in local communities. Based on this context, the general objective was to analyze the process of appropriation of agroecology as a social field for the production of actions and territorially grounded discourses by both macro and micro social actors within the sociotechnical network in the Center-South region of Paraná. It also aims to understand how the resubjectification of technologies, as a participatory eco-innovative process, enables family farmers involved in these sociotechnical networks to promote socio-environmental autonomy in their territories. Methodologically, this is an exploratory and qualitative research, focused on eco-innovative and eco- socioeconomic experiences with an interventionist and participatory approach. The methodological framework is based on the Ecology of Practices, articulated with the concepts of sociotechnical imaginaries and technosocial territories. The research locus includes the municipalities of Inácio Martins, Irati, Prudentópolis, Rebouças, and Rio Azul. The theoretical foundation is grounded in eco-socioeconomy and integrated with the concepts of socio-environmental autonomy, eco-innovation, socially disruptive technologies (SDTs), and social innovation. The results demonstrate that participatory certification systems—particularly when integrated with digital platforms such as the Electronic System for Participatory Agroecological Certification (SISNEAT)— contribute to farmer training, the strengthening of sociotechnical networks, and the expansion of commercialization opportunities. These initiatives enhance both environmental and socio-environmental autonomy, promoting practices that incorporate ecological, social, and cultural values. The re-signification of territorial identities and the articulation of local networks emerge as strategies of resistance to market pressures. SISNEAT, as a socially disruptive eco-innovation, fosters the democratization of information access, supports production planning, and enables autonomy in certification management. Furthermore, it plays a key role in local governance by connecting farmers, technicians, and institutions around common sustainability goals. In conclusion, the integration of local practices, social innovations, and SDTs is essential for building resilient, autonomous territories committed to socio- environmental justice.