LOCAL KNOWLEDGE AND CONSERVATION OF Anacardium occidentale L. (CAJUÍ)

Abstract

The use of natural resources has increased over the years, generating negative impacts with the need for studies that contribute to the development of conservation actions. The municipality of Ilha Grande, inserted within the Environmental Protection Area of ??the Delta do Rio Parnaíba, is one of the four municipalities on the coast of Piauí, where the extraction of native plant species assumes economic and social value, such as Anacardium occidentale L. (cajuí), an undomesticated form of cashew tree, characterized by having small sized drupe and hippocarp. The objective was to evaluate the social, economic and environmental profile of the inhabitants of Ilha Grande regarding the use and occupation of cashew nuts in dune areas, as well as contributing to the conservation of the species in coastal communities in the state of Piauí. Semi-structured interviews were conducted through direct observation. Data were collected qualitatively and quantitatively. 200 residents were interviewed, of which (71.5%) were female. Most are adults (65%), aged between 31 and 40 years, born and raised in the community (98%). Most have incomplete primary education (42%) and earn one minimum wage (50%). The main economic activity is fishing (55.5%) followed by extractive activities (29%) agriculture (14.5%) and others (1%). Among the issues mentioned for the conservation of cashew areas, deforestation (55%) stands out as the main environmental problem faced by the community. Economically, the extraction of cashew nuts is one of the most profitable activities for the majority (98.5%) of the community and the products generated by the species such as sweets, liquor, juices and commercialization of the nut almond constitute for some families as the only source of income. The vast knowledge about cashew and its use by the community contributes to the preparation of actions and plans for sustainable management and conservation of the species.