Avaliação da cadeia produtiva do cupuaçu (theobroma grandiflorum (willd. ex spreng.) schum.) nos municípios de Itacoatiara, Presidente Figueiredo e Manaus

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the production chain of cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum (Willd. ex Spreng.) Schum.) In the municipalities of Itacoatiara, President Figueiredo and Manaus-AM, in order to know the critical points and potential barriers. The research was qualitative and prospective, containing descriptive and exploratory analysis. Interviews were conducted with application of their forms to 212 respondents with open and closed questions, in each link of the chain, divided proportionally (producer, trader and consumer). The data obtained were analyzed in exploratory mode, based on the descriptive statistical procedures with central tendency and dispersion measures. The use of tables representing the multiple possible answers displayed, for each quantitative and qualitative variable, and open questions were evaluated through analysis of the content. The results showed that the production chain cupuassu is complete. In the production segment barriers were: incidence of pests and diseases; no distribution of resistant varieties; failure to acquire production inputs; not constant electricity; lack of technical assistance, lack of government support; flow of production and low prices for commercialization. However the potential were: promotion of employment and family income; be a fruit of regional demand. The merchant segment barriers were lack of fruit in the completion of the culture of the crop; storage (pulp and fruit); rainy seasons (difficulty sale). The potential were: profit and good acceptance of the consumer market. And finally, the consumer segment were major constraints: high price (pulp and fruit); low quality pulp and fruit; lack of information on products produced from the cupuassu (date and shelf life). One of its potential to be a fruit much appreciated by consumers. In conclusion, the production chain of cupuassu is complete, to present all its links made up of a normal chain. It is recommended public policies for family farming in order to ensure the culture.