HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF PUBLIC EDUCATION POLICIES IN RURAL AREAS: REFLECTIONS ON DEMOCRATIZATION AND INCLUSION

Abstract

The trajectory of educational policies directed toward rural areas in Brazil highlights an intrinsic relationship between education and agriculture, established since the 1930s. Agriculture has become a decisive sector of the national economy, significantly contributing both to the generation of foreign currency through exports and to the provision of essential products to the domestic market at affordable prices. In this context, rural education emerges as a fundamental element in the struggles for territorial rights and rural development, where the production of knowledge becomes essential for promoting social transformations. Technology, in this process, stands out as a strategic alliance, facilitating access to public services and fostering greater awareness of rights and citizenship. This article analyzes the evolution of educational policies aimed at rural areas in Brazil, emphasizing the interdependence between agriculture and education and the central role of agriculture in the national economy, both in generating foreign currency for imports and in domestic supply. Furthermore, the study underscores that rural education is deeply connected to the struggle for territorial rights and rural development, arguing that the production of knowledge is crucial for fostering significant social change.