As perspectivas sobre a expansão, manejo e sustentabilidade da produção de açaí em áreas terra firme e várzea por agricultores familiares dos municípios de Capitão Poço e Igarapé-Miri-PA

Abstract

With a symbolic cultural, social, economic and environmental value, the açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), Is present in lowland forests and with less density in terra firma areas, which has gained notoriety in the national and international market, the since 1990, with the valorization of the fruit, as a functional food, conquering new consumers. With a promising and heated market, it led to a growing demand, reflected in the significant intensification of the açaizais managed in lowland and in the expansion in terra firma areas, the activity is predominantly carried out by family farmers and traditional populations. Such a condition aroused scientific appreciation in understanding the discernments of palm growers and growers in the themes of expansion in upland areas, management innovations and the sustainability of açaí production in lowland areas. From the perceptive conception of family farmers about planted areas, empirical management innovations and sustainability and their indicators. Considering a qualitative approach, the research showed that the family farmers of Capitão Poço, have an understanding of the incorporation of the palm tree into the productive process in the culture of açaí, with 32% of planted area; The innovations are in constant process of composition of the knowledge and some experiments have guaranteed a protection of the floodplain ecosystem. Perceptions about sustainability are relevant to the current context of local açaí production, according to the constructive understanding of the term, so the structuring of indicators that can be used to consider the sustainability of açaí production in lowland areas has coherence from the participatory methodology.