Associação Comunitária dos Agricultores de Canafístula

Célula Social Produtiva

In 2003, 2005, 2010 and 2011 BrazilFoundation supported the Heart of the Student Institute (PRECE), which prepares rural students for the college entrance exam in the state of Ceará. PRECE encourages students to return to their communities after graduation and contribute to their development. The project Célula Social Produtiva is the result of this initiative. It is a partnership between the ADEL- Agência de Desenvolvimento Econômico Local do Médio Curú, (The Local Economic Development Agency) formed by former PRECE graduates and local farmers.

Under the coordination of these graduates, cooperative work between small goat and sheep farmers enabled the purchase of necessary equipment to modernize their facilities and increase production. In 2010, one of ADEL’s founders and executive director, Francisco Wagner Gomes, was awarded the Social Entrepreneur of the Future award, given by the Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper, in recognition for the work ADEL has developed in the region.