AG RO BIO DI VERS IDADE DOS ROÇADOS DA COMUNIDADE QUILOMBOLA DE PROVIÊNCIA MUNICÍPIO DE SALVATERRA, ILHA DO MARAJÓ -PA, BRASIL.

The current study sought to analyze the agrobiodiversity of the swiddens in Quilombola community of Providência, Salvaterra, Marajó - PA, as well as the relationship between the community and maneged diversity in the context of the recent changes, including the reduction of swiddens in neighboring communities of the shift to cultivating pineapple in monocultures in nearby communities. It also examined the relationship between the community and the diversity maintained by its members. To this end, data were collected through participant observation and non-directive interviews with representatives from eight families. Free lists and semi-structured interviews were also applied, which dealt with socio-economic and productive patterns and sought to understand the role of manioc swiddens to the local culture. Eight crops were identified (sweet and bitter manioc, cassava, manioc, squash, maxixe, pineapple, watermelon, rice and corn), of which manioc stands out for its high level of salience and, consequently, greater cultural dominance by community residents. Manioc predominates fields maintained mainly for household consumption. Altogether there are 11 ethnovarieties of mandioca: açaíznho, arité, cachorrinho, folha fina, pacajá, pacuí, paimané, tareza, tucumanzinho, vermelhinha and zolhuda. Another species of importance is pineapple produced for commercial sale, contributing to family income. Other crops are seasonal in nature, such as squash, maxixe and watermelon, harvested within three months after planting. The swidden production system "feeds" the community beyond providing nutrition, as it nourishes local traditions, both in the preparation of traditional foods and beverages present in the festivities, and the daily lives of residents and the traditional practices expressed in manioc processing areas that govern their preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]