Field day: bridge between university extension and family production of Umbu Gigante

Abstract

The experience report refers to the Second Field Day of Umbu Gigante, held by the State University of Southwest Bahia (UESB), which included the participation of academics, researchers, teachers; educational institutions, state and municipal government institutions, city halls, regional development departments, community associations, among other partner companies committed to rural development. The field day is an important extension action, especially to train family farmers and others interested in the cultivation of giant umbu through the exchange of practical and theoretical information on the appropriate methods of implementing, managing and marketing this fruit. By empowering farmers, this methodology aims to encourage a sustainable way of generating work and encourage farmers to stay in the field. In turn, by including the academic community in the extension process, the university not only benefits the professional development of graduates, but also contributes to improving the skills and knowledge of farmers, enabling giant umbu to become a viable source of income. Therefore, this stimulates the economic growth of rural areas and reinforces the social reproduction of family farming.