RESEARCHERS AND FARMER LEADERS IN ACTION-RESEARCH: CONFLICTUAL COOPERATION IN BRAZILIAN AMAZONIA

Abstract

The relationships between researchers and farmer leaders in two action-research programs in Brazilian Amazonia are analyzed retrospectively. Despite promising concrete results and significant efforts at dialogue to establish a shared vision, there have been numerous conflicts. They can be explained by the differences in the fields of interest and strategies of each groups, insufficiently clarified, rather than by different concepts or world visions. With information a source of power, the partners did not build enough confidence to reach a level of transparency that would allow them to clarify their divergences through "enlightened dialogue". In conclusion, a long-term alliance of this type implies not only the identification of fields of common interests, but also the establishment of binding rules to limit potential negative interference, concerning, in particular, public comments by researchers.