Economias alternativas na Amazônia: percepções de impactos na vida dos beneficiários em Benjamin Constant-AM

Abstract

This study was based on the assessment that alternative economies, such as solidarity, creative and bioeconomy, represent considerable strategies for development and inclusion in remote territories. The objective was to investigate the impacts of these economies in the municipality of Benjamin Constant-AM, through the perceptions of local beneficiaries. A qualitative and descriptive approach was used, with the application of a questionnaire, online and printed, with closed and open questions, applied to a sample of 12 respondents. The answers were analyzed through simple descriptive statistics and a thematic content analysis, according to Bardin’s technique. The results show better impacts on income, quality of life, cultural appreciation and community connection. The research indicated that solidarity economy initiatives are fully related to community integration, while the creative economy contributes to the consolidation of cultural identity. Bioeconomy, in turn, stood out for articulating sustainable income generation. Another aspect identified was that beneficiaries with lower education levels and longer insertion time in the initiatives perceived greater changes in their lives. Based on these data, integrated indicators were developed that make it possible to measure the impacts in the economic, social, cultural and institutional dimensions through people’s perceptions. It is concluded that alternative economies cause fundamental transformations from the local perspective, even while facing historical, institutional and structural challenges that limit their potential.