Empowering Amazonian Communities: The Importance of Participatory Planning and Local Knowledge in Agroforest Systems

Abstract

Agroforestry systems (AFS) represent an alternative production method for family farmers, allowing for the optimization of land use through product diversity and income generation. Considering that the socioeconomic condition of floodplain communities is based on extractive economies and that the implementation of intercropped crops should be done in a participatory and constructive manner, this work aims to report an experience emphasizing the steps and main tools adopted in the planning and establishment of an AFS. The fieldwork was conducted in the community of Ipaupixuna, in the floodplain region of Lake Maicá, municipality of Santarém, Pará, Brazil. The actions of this work were concentrated between February and October 2019, as part of the research project "Floodplains and Riverbanks of the Lower Amazon." The main tools used in this work were a systemic approach with the community of Ipaupixuna, which sought to understand the environment and its interactions, through various stages such as mapping, workshops, interviews, planning, area preparation, and logistical organization for implementation. The actions and results of the project showed that participatory planning and community knowledge are crucial for the successful establishment of an AFS in communities. It was concluded that the community embraced the intercropping project and showed interest and collaboration in the activities carried out. This work reinforces the need to consider resources and tools for the necessary mapping and development of appropriate agroforestry designs for producers in similar initiatives.