Acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) is a native fruit of the Amazon biome prevalent in the
Amazon estuary. Its reach is extending progressively throughout northeastern Pará,
especially in areas of floodplain forest. This expansion is driven by recent interest
driven by new markets, both nationally and internationally. This situation is leading
farmers in river communities to adopt the intensification of açai in order to increase
fruit yields. In this context, this research evaluated the influences that the process of
intensification in the management of acai is having on the productive diversity of the
Amazon estuary. The studies were conducted in the community of Santo Antônio,
municipality of Igarapé-Miri, and evaluated productive activities, the system of
production, and changes in relation to the diversification of production activities. The
research was grounded in qualitative and quantitative approaches. 60 families were
interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires, and a retrospective analysis
conducted through historical interviews was used to understand the evolutionary
trajectory of productive activities in the community and the application of new
practices that have benefited from the intensive management of açai. This
methodological approach gave rise results indicating that river farmers of the
community of Santo Antônio have, over the years, adapted production activities, and
that historical processes have favored the development of some activities and the
abandonment of others. As market demand has facilitated the expansion and
intensification of acai fruit cultivation, there is added value of açaí fruit compared to
other production activities.
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