Farmer’s Perception about Agroforestry Systems for Legal Reserves in the Region of São Mateus, Espírito Santo, Brazil

Abstract The aim of this study is to characterize the perceptions and interests of farmers related to the adoption of agroforestry systems (AFS) for restoration of Fibria Celulose S.A.’s Legal Reserves (LRs), with the production of food and non-timber forest products. Twenty farmers were interviewed in the community of São Geraldo (São Mateus, Espírito Santo, Brazil), who participated in the social projects led by the company in the community. With this, it was possible to trace the profile of farmers and farms, their knowledge of environmental suitability, and interest in the adoption of AFS. Most farmers did not have information about AFS and the possibility of its use in LR. After being educated on the opportunities established in the Brazilian Forestry Law, 12 of the interviewed farmers expressed interest in adopting AFS to restore LR, considering the potential benefits to the diversification of income, water, soil, and biodiversity conservation. Finally, it was also possible to identify species of interest by farmers for AFS composition in LRs.

摘要 本研究旨在刻画农户对采用农林业系统（agroforestry systems, AFS）恢复菲布里亚纸业公司（Fibria Celulose S.A.）法定保留地（Legal Reserves, LRs）的认知与意愿，同时兼顾粮食与非木材林产品的生产。研究团队于巴西圣埃斯皮里图州圣马特乌斯市圣热拉尔杜社区，对参与该公司当地社会项目的20名农户开展访谈。借此得以梳理受访农户及其经营农场的基本概况、对环境适宜性的认知水平，以及采用农林业系统的意愿。多数受访农户此前并不了解农林业系统，也不清楚其可用于法定保留地修复的可能性。在向农户讲解巴西林业法规定的相关政策机遇后，其中12名受访农户表示愿意采用农林业系统开展法定保留地修复工作，认为该模式可带来收入多元化、水土保持及生物多样性保护等潜在收益。此外，本研究还明确了农户希望纳入农林业系统的法定保留地修复物种清单。