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Traditional Açaí Extractivism and Technological Innovation in Murumuru Quilombo, Brazilian Amazon

Wanderley Rocha da Silva,T. Vieira,José Max Barbosa de Oliveira Junior,Kaio Ramon de Sousa Magalhães,Leila S. Lisboa,C. T. D. S. Dias,LG Martorano

Published 2025 in World

ABSTRACT

In the native açaí groves of Lago do Maicá, in western Pará, harvesting is still performed using traditional techniques such as the peconha, which is a rope device tied to the feet that helps with climbing açaí palms. The absence of affordable and locally adaptable technologies compromises the safety of extractivists and limits the strengthening of the açaí value chain, affecting the development of a forest-based bioeconomy. This study focused on the Quilombo of Murumuru to understand the profile of local extractivists and identify which technologies could be more easily adopted in floodplain environments. After ethics approval, fieldwork involved participatory activities including knowledge-sharing meetings, transect walks, community discussions, and structured interviews. The results indicated that most collectors identify themselves primarily as açaí extractivists. Some rely exclusively on this activity for income, while others complement it with fishing or agro-extractivism. Reports of occupational risks were frequent, especially due to falls and contact with venomous animals. There was also a clear lack of technical assistance and limited access to context-sensitive technologies. The study highlights the need for institutional partnerships that support income diversification, value traditional knowledge, and improve working conditions. Strengthening the native açaí value chain in floodplain regions is essential for reducing socioeconomic vulnerability and advancing a regenerative, community-centered bioeconomy in the Amazon.

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