Avaliação participativa de sistemas agroflorestais em pequenas propriedades no baixo sul e extremo sul da Bahia.

Abstract

The present work was conducted with two groups of farmers from the extreme south and south region of the state of Bahia. The objective of this study was to analyze in a participatory way the perspective of farmers in relation to the implantation and management of agroforestry systems (AFS), using AFS Demonstration Units (DU) as an instrument to raise awareness and discuss the theme. In order to do so, semi-structured questionnaires were applied to farmers who already had AFS Demonstration Units in their Productive Units and a DU was implemented in the Low South of Bahia, in the municipality of Aratuípe, with two distinct production systems (single crop and cultivation in AFS), both organic and with cassava (Manihot esculenta Cranz.) as the main crop. The results presented are related to the analysis of productivity and economic viability of the DU implemented, and the perspective of the farmers regarding: training and exchange of experiences, food safety, main difficulties and advantages related to AFS and finally, reasons that led farmers to transition to this productive system. In this work, the cassava produced in organic system with fertilization presented higher productivity results than those obtained in the state, with the net revenue of the AFS crop being higher than in the single crop. It is concluded that programs of technical assistance and rural extension aimed at the implementation and management of AFS are important to ensure more stabilized, productive and successful Demonstration Units, which are essential for the awareness of farmers and technicians on the benefits and problems associated with this type of production system.