Universidade e desenvolvimento local: a UFRB e o desenvolvimento em Cachoeira/Ba segundo a percepção dos agentes locais

Abstract

This dissertation aimed to analyze the importance of the Federal University of Recôncavo da Bahia - UFRB and, specifically, the Arts, Humanities and Languages Centre – AHLC for the development process of Cachoeira city. In order to do so, it seeks to understand the role that the Institution plays in that region and its actions, in the scope of teaching, researching and extension contributing to the improvement of the local quality of life. The study was carried out in the State of Bahia, in the Recôncavo region, with a focus on the municipality of Cachoeira. The fieldwork is delimited to the municipality so that it is possible to carry out the research, with feasibility and in a planned way, aiming at achieving results relevant to the social interest. Subsequently, after the theoretical investigation, carried out by means of bibliographical, documentary and electronic research, a field research was performed with local actors related to the economic, educational and social sectors in order to understand how these leaders perceive the university's performance in the city. To accomplish this step we use the following resource: semi-structured interviews with local leaders according to the qualitative research method. Currently, universities make a great contribution to socioeconomic development and UFRB has great relevance in the current context of the city boosting, appreciation of local culture and dissemination of knowledge. However, it will require greater involvement of the Institution with the community through its actions and projects so that they can bring more significant comeback that effectively contribute to the local development, mainly in the social sphere. In the end, the work intends to be a consultation and reflection tool for the planning and decision making of managers who take a more effective action of the UFRB in the municipality of Cachoeira into consideration.