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Article: A place in the country: a broad grassroots movement seeks land, equity, and dignity in Brazil.(Landless Workers' Movement)
- Article from:
- Sojourners Magazine
- Article date:
- April 1, 2004
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2004 Sojourners. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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In the past 20 years, more than a million people in Brazil have participated in the most vibrant. well-organized, and far-reaching grassroots association in Latin America. the Landless Workers' Movement. In a country of profound economic disparity and poverty, the movement has emerged as a significant force for agrarian reform, as well as progress in education, health care. agricultural production promotion of women's rights. and democratic participation.
According to the Brazilian Constitution, any piece of unused land larger than around 500 acres should be taken or bought by the government and distributed to landless families. Since this rarely happens. the ...