LOCAL DEVELOPMENT

This work aimed to verify the economic viability of the extension project developed between the Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL) and the Technical Assistance and Rural Extension Company of the State of Minas Gerais (EMATER/MG), as well as to verify the effectiveness of the Crop, Forest, Livestock and Environmental Protection Integration systems implemented in small rural properties in southern Minas Gerais. The starting point was the reports of technicians and owners and the results of the experiences of the UNIFAL/EMATER extension project in terms of environmental protection, economic development and income generation. Documents, quantitative data provided by EMATER and mainly semi-structured interviews with the owners of four rural units that participated in the project were used. The idea was reached that there is a satisfactory relationship between the EMATER extension project and the possibility of local development within sustainability parameters, although there is a tension between the said and the done.