The women of castanha do Alto Cajari: empowerment by the solidarity economy

Abstract This study aims to understand the operation dynamic of solidarity economy and the empowerment process generated by it, by analyzing the Association of Agricultural-Extractivist Women of Alto Cajari, located in the southernmost of the State of Amapa, northernmost of Brazil, which works on processing Brazilian nut. As a method, we used the cost-effectiveness analysis and qualitative research, aiming to measure the main advances and challenges imposed on the segment. This study identified the need for restructuring the management formats of promotion policies by government agencies, which should operate in a harmonious and articulated way; however, they conversely act separately, without effective communication among them, impairing the quality and the quantity of the services offered.