Abstract
Tapping into the vast pool of existing plant resource knowledge is the first step toward developing production systems that successfully balance ecological, economic, and cultural concerns in the newly formed extractive reserves in Acre, Brazil. Field research targeting extractive activities by women in the forest communities identified the most common species used by women, and documented specific information on the management, collection, and processing of these plants. The women demonstrate refined botanical knowledge and plant management skills, exploiting over 150 wild and domesticated species in their communities. They possess particular proficiency in processing plants, especially species used for food, spices, beverages, and medicines. Women also display a great desire to enter the market economy, and have begun to test potential market products on a small scale. As such they can play a key role in production, diversification, and development of economically valuable plant products, and ultimately in the success of the extractive reserves.
Resumen
Uma análise do manancial de conhecimento existente sobre os recursos floristicos constitui o primeiropasso no desenvolvimento de sistemas deproduçáo que conciliem necessidades ecologicas, econômicas e culturais nas recém-criadas reservas ext rativistas no Acre, Brasil. Através de pesquisas de campo referentes as atividades extrativistas praticadas por mulheres em comunidades de mata, identificaram-se as espécies mais comumente usadas e documentaram-se informacôes especificas sobre o manejo, coleta e processamento destas plantas. As mulheres exibem refinado conhecimento botânico e habilidade no manejo das plantas, explorando mais de 150 espécies silvestres e domesticadas em suas comunidades. Elas sâo especialmente competentes no processamento das plantas, principalmente das espécies usadas como alimento, temperos, bebidas e remédios. Além disso, as mulheres demonstram forte desejo de participar da economia de mercado, tendo comecado a testar produt os potenciais em pequena escala. Desta maneira, elas poderâo desempenhar um papel na producâo, diversificação e desenvolvimento dos prod utos floristicos de importância econômica e, em tdtima instáncia, no sucesso das reservas ext rativistas.
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Journal Series No. R-02690 of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611.
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Kainer, K.A., Duryea, M.L. Tapping women’s knowledge: Plant resource use in extractive reserves, acre, Brazil. Econ Bot 46, 408–425 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02866513
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02866513