Summary

The work analyzes the process of participatory diagnosis for the 'Rural Agenda', a series of events designed to subsidize the Ribeira Valley Rural Community Invigoration Program, in the State of Sao Paulo (BR) over the 2000-2002 period. Sub-regional workshops embracing 432 rural communities discussed and prioritized actions to be taken. The creation of a clear dialogue channel between civil society and the public power was the way to ensure the communities' participation in policy proposals that will determine directions towards regional sustainable development.

Artigo apresentado no XI Congresso Mundial de Sociologia Rural, realizado na Noruega no período de 25 a 31 de julho de 2004.