Fundo rotativo solidário como instrumento de melhoria de práticas produtivas e promoção da economia solidária: um estudo de caso do FUSAF

Abstract

This article addresses the theme of Solidarity Revolving Funds, presenting the Sustainable Family Farming Fund (FUSAF), which is configured as an instrument of Solidarity Finance to improve the productive practices of the Family Farming Fair of the Federal University of Western Pará. The study aims to understand the contribution of FUSAF to the strengthening of productive activities and the promotion of the principles of the Solidarity Economy among its members. The research adopts an empirical, qualitative and descriptive approach, using methods such as case study, documentary research, participant observation and interviews with four distinct groups, including members who received resources from FUSAF, members who did not receive resources, the Management Committee and the Project Coordinator. The theoretical framework approach is based on the Solidarity Economy, Solidarity Finance and Solidarity Revolving Funds. The results respond to the specific objectives, which consist of describing the history and evolution of FUSAF, evaluating the concessions, credit applications and alignment with the principles of the solidarity economy in FUSAF, as well as identifying advances and limitations faced by the fund. The conclusion of the work reveals that Fusaf promoted these principles, such as Cooperation and Solidarity, but the principle of Self-Management was not fully achieved, since the project coordination still exercises direct management with the support of the Management Committee. The article demonstrates that Solidarity Revolving Funds can be adapted and implemented in different ways, according to local realities, as exemplified by the Fusaf case study.