Análise socioeconômica de agricultores da comunidade quilombola do Abacatal, Ananindeua, estado do Pará, Brasil.

Abstract

The remnants of quilombolas form an ethnic and cultural group organized under a logic of extractive and agricultural economy coupled with the conception of common use of natural resources. This article evaluates the socio-economic and productive aspects of the quilombola community of Abacatal, Ananindeua, State of Pará. A field research was done using questionnaires with 39 workers. The results indicate that most farmers were born in the community, and have a low level of education, no higher than incomplete fundamental schooling. The families' monthly income are low and supplemented by income transfer from the Federal Government. The residences have a good infrastructure, but the sanitation conditions are poor. Agricultural practices are traditional and have low-level technology, being developed in small areas. The main activity is fruit culture in 53.8%of the production units. Commercialization is done in a farmers' market in Ananindeua. The access to services of technical assistance, rural extension and rural credit is incipient and restricts innovations in agricultural procedures. Near the urban center of Ananindeua, it suggests a need for alternative models of agriculture that permit to take advantage of market opportunities, but that respect local traditions and environmental conditions. The strengthening of the social capital and institutional actions constitute fundamental elements for sustainability of agriculture in this quilombola community.