Diversidade no uso e manejo de fogo por agricultores na Amazônia Oriental

Abstract

The indiscriminate use of fire has become a global problem due to the increase of the incidence and severity of fires, mainly related to climate change. The Brazilian Amazon was a fire-free biome, but it has experienced more frequent and intense fires. The use and management of fire is historical and quite variable, especially in the practice of agriculture. Therefore, it is proposed in this dissertation to evaluate the use and management of fire by different farmers (smallholders and large farmers) in two different regions in the Eastern Amazon. Data collection was carried out in 2010 by the Sustainable Amazon Network (RAS) and in 500 rural properties in the region, distributed in 18 watersheds in each region. To compare the diversity of fire use and management practices among producers and regions, the PERMANOVA analysis was used. In both regions, the use of fire predominated, and family farmers were those who had greater use. However, the use of fire was also carried out by larger farmers. The two main purposes were to prepare the land before implementing agriculture and to manage degraded pastures. Secondary forests or Capoeiras (<20 years) were the most commonly used vegetation type, although primary forests and older capoeiras were also used. Most farmers built firebreaks and burnt against the wind, but also used fire in the hottest period of the day (between 12h-15h) and before the first rains in the region. At the time of the burning, farmers in both regions received human assistance, which occurs predominantly by people from the property itself. This dominant use of fire in the Amazon reflects the pattern observed in different tropical regions, mainly related to shifting agriculture. There was also an incompatibility between the management carried out by the farmers and that recommended by specialists or by the law. The need to adapt Brazilian law regarding local burning practices is emerging, as it can make this practice unfeasible. This study is expected to contribute to the development of norms for the use and management of fire that are better adapted to the specific realities of each region and each producer.