Percepção dos alunos do ensino fundamental sobre o Cultivo orgânico: um estudo na escola pública do Povoado Cardoso I Paulo Ramos-MA.

Abstract

The present study investigated the perception of elementary school students about organic farming in a public school located in the village of Cardoso I, Paulo Ramos-MA. The research addressed the importance of organic farming as a sustainable model that aims to reduce environmental impacts and promote the production of pesticide-free food, highlighting its global growth and relevance for health and environmental preservation. Of a descriptive and exploratory nature, the study was directed at 22 students from different elementary school classes. The results revealed that, although most students claimed to know the concept of organic farming, their understanding was superficial, evidenced by inconsistencies in responses about practices such as the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Despite this, students showed willingness to adopt alternative farming practices and acknowledged the importance of organic farming for environmental preservation and human health. The research also highlighted the scarcity of pedagogical approaches on the topic in classes, emphasizing the need to integrate environmental education into the school curriculum. Moreover, the strong association between organic farming and family agriculture reflects the sociocultural reality of the region, while the students' optimism regarding the growth of organic production in Brazil suggests a potential for promoting sustainable practices. It is concluded that education plays a fundamental role in the formation of conscious citizens engaged in sustainable agricultural practices, making the adoption of systematic and interdisciplinary pedagogical strategies focused on organic farming essential.