Uso e exploração do mandacaru na visão de assentados da reforma agrária, no município de Sumé-PB.

Abstract

The Caatinga comprises a diverse and rich ecosystem, unique and exclusively Brazilian, with great diversity of species and high incidence of endemism. Among the native species of the Caatinga, Mandacaru (Cereus jamacaru), considered the symbol plant of the Brazilian Northeast, stands out and presents enormous economic, social and environmental potential for the region, but it undergoes a disorderly exploitation, compromising its conservation. The objective of this study was to verify the perception of settlers on the uses and exploitation of mandacaru, in order to contribute to a better understanding of the possibilities of conservation of this cactus. The methodology consisted of an exploratory-descriptive research, with case study. The area is located 14km from the headquarters of the municipality of Sumé and 271km from the capital João Pessoa. We interviewed the 18 settlers chosen at random among the four agrovillas. The results indicate that 95% used mandacaru for fodder purposes, and that 67% have already practiced mandacaru propagation. Mandacaru is the most used cactaceae in the herd diet during prolonged dry periods, according to the settlers who participated in the research. It is considered that the dissemination of practices of conservation of the species is necessary, since indiscriminate exploitation, without the proper practice of replanting and together with the lack of knowledge can compromise the presence of this cactus in the region.