Uso e manejo de roça pelos moradores de três comunidades da reserva extrativista do rio Jutaí - AM

Abstract

Through ethnoecological description, the present work analyzes swidden use and management as practiced by the residents in three communities of the Rio Jutai Extractavist Reservation (Reserva Extrativista do rio Jutaí). The communities involved were Marauá, Bordalé and Seringueiro, situated on the Reservation, in the Jutai municipality, state of Amazonas. The data analyzed were obtained by using forms, semi-structured interviews, and by direct field observations, focusing on the characterization of swidden management techniques (agricultural practices, pest control, flash and burn to open swiddens), plant distribution and spacing, size of parcels, planting, harvest, and origin of plant varieties. The data analyzed show that farming is practiced solely by family. Beginning with its elaboration until harvest, the swidden management has significant seasonal variations, whose activities for the most part are concentrated at the end of winter, as most of the species grow and adapt themselves best during the summer, as for example cassava and sugar cane. By passing on their swidden management techniques, the communities studied perpetuate their traditional knowledge from generation to generation.