Adaptations of Pre-Columbian Manioc Storage Techniques as Strategies to Adapt to Extreme Climatic Events in Amazonian Floodplains

Abstract

In Amazonian floodplains, manioc flour is the main plant food product and source of income for local populations. In the context of climate change, extreme flooding is more frequent and intense, making it difficult to cultivate and process manioc. As local knowledge is dynamic and fundamental to adapt in critical times, we studied local techniques for storing manioc roots, which allow them to be processed later. We conducted semi-structured interviews in three floodplains (várzea) communities (36 families) and three paleo-floodplain (paleovárzea; 1–3 m higher) communities (52 families) in the middle Solimões River basin (Brazil). Residents mention four techniques for storing fresh manioc; two were cited in archaeological or ethnographic studies (burial and basketing), and two were not cited before in the region (bagging and kanaká). In the paleovárzea, where manioc production is more important as a source of income, residents have more knowledge of manioc storage techniques. However, this knowledge also persists in areas where manioc has less importance for income generation. Residents of the study area express demand for disseminating these practices, as they can contribute to adaptation in critical periods.