The importance of the cultivation and use of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) among the Paresí people, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Abstract

Cassava is a perennial plant, belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae, of South American origin. It plays an important role in human nutrition, especially in traditional populations, such as Brazilian indigenous people. The Paresí Indians inhabit the Center-West of Brazil, their villages have their own hunting, gathering and agriculture areas. Traditionally, the basis of their diet is cassava, corn, beans, game meat and fruits. The research was carried out at T.I Pareci and T.I Juininha, in the municipalities of Tangará da Serra and Conquista d'Oeste, MT, respectively. The objective was to investigate the importance, the form of use, and the cultivation of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), as well as associated cultural aspects. For data collection, participant observation, semi-structured interviews and photographic records were used. Five ethnovarieties of cassava were listed, differentiated by the indigenous people according to texture, use, color and difficulty in detaching the peel. Cassava is consumed in the form of biju, flour and chicha. Support and encouragement for indigenous swiddens, combined with sustainable alternatives for income generation and agrobiodiversity conservation, can contribute to food security and improving the quality of life of indigenous peoples.