Dinâmicas sócioeconômicas e agrícolas no manejo de mandioca, na estrada Umarizal em Benjamin Constant, Amazonas

Abstract

In the Alto Solimões region, in the municipality of Benjamin Constant, farmers play a significant role in manioc management, mainly in rural communities. However, family farmers are also present in settlements, rural roads and branches. In this context, this study aimed to understand the socio-economic and agricultural dynamics of manioc management on the Umarizal road in Benjamin Constant, Amazonas. The initial information was obtained from the local production office and then in the field by applying a form to the farmers. The structural and occupation characteristics of the Umarizal Road, the socio-economic aspects of the farmers who grow cassava and the management practices of the cassava fields were verified. Direct observations were also made in the cultivation areas. In the end, 24 swiddens were identified, distributed along the Umarizal road and the Pai velho, Ivo and Lala branches. These rural roads have a precarious structure due to the lack of paving, but they are occupied by various dwellings, dams, manioc plantations, flour houses and function for the movement of people and local transport. The socio-economic aspects differed between the farmers. As for management practices, the exchange of manioc between farmers stood out. The varieties grown were Açaízinho, Caiali, Milagrosa, Poré, Pretona, Peixe-boi, Pãozinho, Racha terra, Rasgadinha and Tucura. Açaí, pineapple, banana, beans, maxixe, corn and peppers were also grown in the fields. The manioc gardens have a dual purpose, self-consumption and commercialization.