Curricularization of extension in the vegetable garden

a seed of social transformation

Abstract

Students and professionals from public universities need to engage with communities, working alongside diverse social groups to build more equitable territories. The integration of extension activities into undergraduate curricula in Brazil represents an important step in this process. This paper aims to present and reflect on the experience of the Curricular Extension Activity (CEA 1) component in the Agronomy program of the Universidade Estadual do Rio Grande do Sul (UERGS), Santana do Livramento campus, during the first half of 2025. A case study approach was adopted, using field notes recorded by the course instructor, the lesson plan for the component CEA 1, photographs of field activities, and evaluations of students. The component functioned as a significant space for dialogue between the university and the community, promoting agroecology and food security. It also effectively contributed to the development of individuals committed to reducing inequalities within their social and professional contexts. The CEA 1 experience highlights the potential of strengthening university extension as a driver of social transformation. However, this requires the provision of adequate resources to ensure continuity, to enhance and to expand initiatives of this nature.