Diagnósticos e desafios da cadeia produtiva da mandioca na microrregião de Tomé-Açu.

Abstract

The cultivation of cassava in the Northern Region of Brazil, especially in the State of Pará, is of significant economic and social importance. The present study aims to carry out a diagnosis of the cassava production chain in the Microregion of Tomé-Açu, Northeast Pará, covering the municipalities of Acará, Concórdia, Moju, Tailândia and Tomé-Açu. The research combines quantitative and qualitative methods, using literature review and semi-structured questionnaires to understand the challenges and interactions faced by the various agents that make up the chain. Data analysis reveals differences in cassava productivity in the North Region, with emphasis on the productive potential in the Microregion and its socioeconomic influence in the municipality of Acará. The profile of producers reveals low education, but experience passed down through generations, although there is concern about the lack of family succession in the activity. The cultivation system is still predominantly traditional, using manual methods and crop diversification. Technical assistance, most of which is public, lacks investment in human and logistical resources. Access to financing for agricultural investments is diverse, but faces bureaucratic challenges. As for cultivation technologies and techniques, there is little adherence to modern practices. Cassava processing shows a diversity of products and processing systems, with sales predominantly to middlemen. In view of the above, it is concluded that improving communication between agents, investing in technical assistance and adopting collaborative measures are crucial for the competitiveness and valorization of the cassava production chain in the Tomé-Açu Microregion, highlighting the fundamental role of the Agricultural Engineer in this context.