Percepção agroecológica dos agricultores familiares do assentamento "São Francisco", no Município de Canutama, AM

Abstract

This research was developed in the "São Francisco" settlement in the municipality of Canutama - AM, with the general objective of analyzing the perception of the family farmers about agroecological practices. For this, the analysis of the content of interviews was used as research methodology, as well as the observation of phenomena and facts in loco. On the occasion, 28 interviews were conducted in different vicinities, which were based on views taken on the properties of each farmer. According to the results obtained, it is possible to affirm that the farmers perceive several agroecological practices, among which the use of organic matter for fertilization and collective work (mutirão) in the guaraná (Paullinia cupana Kunth.) Crops stand out. It was also verified that the interviewees are in transition agroecological, since they are familiar with the agroecology, biological control and composting, in addition, they perceive the importance of the ciliary forest for the maintenance of water bodies and the preservation of the forest. With regard to the practices of conventional agriculture, it has been identified that the major problem is the use of pesticides, mainly the herbicide in the control of the grass (Imperata brasiliensis Trin.). Regarding the problems faced by the farmers, there was a lack of technical assistance (ATER), lack of secondary education, predominance of farmers with old age in the field and difficulty in marketing and production. Another point that deserves to be highlighted was that, although the settlement is theoretically in a range considered as an agricultural frontier (territory with large deforested areas), the expansion of cattle ranching is evident. There were few interviewees who stated that they had livestock, with the justification of insufficient land size and the question of current legislation that does not allow large areas to be opened, as well as the lack of manpower to touch the property. Farmers are looking for production alternatives, in the case of the interviewees the focus is on the production of fruit such as açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), Guaraná (Paullinia cupana Kunth.) And urucum (Bixa orellana Lineu.), Reasons why one can still perceive a landscape Diversifies in the properties visited. In general, this research has searched for several meanders to show how the Family Farmers perceive the practices of Agroecology, since we believe that this information is of the utmost importance for the construction of agroecological knowledge, as well as to assist governmental and non-governmental managers in the implementation of policies Sustainable rural development.