Diagnóstico socioeconômico e do sistema de cultivo de produtores de mandioca vinculados à cooperativas no Município de Juruti - Pará.

Abstract

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a species of great social, economic, and cultural importance in the northern region of Brazil, especially in the municipality of Juruti, located in the western region of the state of Pará. It is a staple food and a source of income for many families, but its productivity is low in the region. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the socioeconomic profile and identify the main production challenges faced by cassava producers affiliated with cooperatives in the municipality of Juruti, Pará. The methodology used was based on the administration of semi-structured questionnaires to cassava producers belonging to two cooperatives in the municipality of Juruti: the São Pedro Family Farmers' Cooperative (COOPAFASP) and the Juruti Small Rural Producers' Cooperative (COOPAJ). The results demonstrated that, at COOPAJ, cassava plays a secondary role in income generation. At COOPAFASP, cassava production represents the main source of income for 75% of the cooperative members, with an emphasis on the production of flour, tucupi, and tapioca. Despite the crop's cultural and economic relevance, data analysis revealed a series of limitations, such as a lack of technical assistance, low educational levels, scarcity of financial resources, lack of soil analysis and correction, use of rudimentary practices, and a lack of adequate infrastructure for transportation, storage, and marketing. The need to strengthen public policies aimed at family farming becomes evident, promoting access to credit, technical assistance, encouraging the adoption of technologies, training producers, and encouraging family succession.