Family farmers and trees: ecological functions, ecosystem services and food production in agrarian reform settlements in Brazil
Bruna Aparecida Silva, Renata Evangelista de Oliveira, Adriana Cavalieri Sais, Eliana Cardoso-Leite
Abstract
Trees contribute to socio-economic and environmental needs of rural families in agroecosystems, being part of local culture. We have studied their presence, roles and services, and their importance in food systems inside agrarian reform settlements, performing visits and semi-structured interviews in 16 allotments. A multivariate analysis was performed to demonstrate correlations among species, trees arrangements, and the provision of ecosystem services. We found 92 tree species, most used as food source and for income generation, but also for other specific purposes. Their presence is a settler´s decision, and the values attributed to them are associated with affective and spiritual values.