Agrobiodiversidade e conhecimentos locais das plantas alimentícias no quilombo de Deus Ajude, Arquipélago do Marajó – Pará

Abstract

In this study, we seek to analyze the traditional knowledge and practices associated with agrobiodiversity of food plants, as well as the constitution of sovereignty and food autonomy in the production of two non Quilombo of Deus Ajude, Salvaterra, Pará state, Brazil. For the development of the research, we used a qualitative and quantitative approach. Regarding the methodological procedure, we opted for the case study, participant observation, non-directive identification, questionnaires, free lists, collection and identification of botanical material. Data analysis was carried out by systematizing information collected and by the vertical and horizontal analysis of interviews, data triangulation and Cognitive Salience Index. Results showed that the traditional knowledge of the Quilombola community regarding plant foods is constituted through their daily relationship between the community and nature, as well as through the continuous exchange of knowledge between different generations. Amazonian seasonality has revealed itself as a regulator of the plurality of productive activities throughout the year, and these are carried out through a symbiotic relationship, where both nature and the Quilombo are sustained. In addition, the representative foods of the Marajoara Quilombo, such as beiju, cação, tiborna, cunhapira and crueira, become one of the ways of maintaining the Quilombo's agrobiodiversity. On the other hand, the limitations of access to the territory of common use, the impositions of the farmes around the Quilombo, and the influences of capitalist market that promote changes in the way food is obtained and on the eating habits of quilombolas are evident. Therefore, the valorization of Quilombola culture and its way of life becomes an ally for the preservation of traditional knowledge and practices, as well as the managed of agrobiodiversity.