Multifunctional backyards:thediversity of food and production practices developed by the families of the quilombola community of Baixo Acaraqui, Abaetetuba, Pará

Abstract

This research presents the analysis of the different strategies of Food and Nutritional Security – SAN developed by the families of the Quilombola Community of Baixo Acaraqui, Abaetetuba, Pará. The community is facing changes in their eating habits due of the reduction of natural resources (hunting animals, fish and shrimps), decreasing of the area for agricultural production and increase of the commercial value of production. Using a qualitative approach and the following procedures by participant observation, semistructured interviews, photographic record, free list and workshops on eating habits. We sought information to understand local production and food practices. We observed an increase in the importance of extraction of açaí as an income genreator; The increase in purchasing power, stimulated by the increase of the marketing of local production. In this context, the backyards present themselves as a viable space of multiactivity as an income generator, food production, due to the diversity of species both for consumption and for marketing, and a family socialization. This reality has significantly influenced the production practices and eating habits of the local families, influencing them in their production decisions and in the acquisition of food.