Social Networks and Solidarity Economy: an Analysis Of Relationship Networks of Small Rural Producers who Participate in the Esperança/Cooesperança Project

Abstract

Studies on social networks reveal the position of each member within the group and identify those with the highest leadership potential. Current research maps and analyzes the relationship network of fruit and vegetables producers of the Esperança/Cooesperança Projeto in Santa Maria RS Brazil, foregrounded on the presuppositions of the Solidarity Economy. It actually comprises small co-operative farmers, with several activities for the commercialization of their produce. The group is composed of 15 producers of whom 60% commercialize 75% of their produce through the project. Network revealed two producers (L and M) with special interactions with the other participants. They are extremely relevant in the group, featuring leadership and communication roles. The group´s interaction depends on these two leaders who act as intermediates within the information flow. Mapping also identified the peripheral people with small or no influence on the group. Mapping actually showed the need for the adoption of strategies that may aggregate more and more the peripheral people and promote more leaders within the network. The latter will provide more density to relationships and cooperation among individuals to achieve the group´s aims.