Cultivo de plantas medicinais por estudantes de agronomia do campus de engenharias e ciências agrárias da Universidade Federal de Alagoas

Abstract

The cultivation of medicinal plants represents a form of healthcare, a practice that is part of Brazilian history, a therapeutic resource passed down from generation to generation, supported by public authorities, and of economic importance as well as contributing to the well-being and health of the population. This study aimed to investigate the cultivation of medicinal plants by students of the Agronomy course at the Engineering and Agricultural Sciences Campus of the Federal University of Alagoas. The study population consisted mostly of male students, predominantly aged 19 to 30 years, most of whom study and work or study and intern. Approximately half participated in institutional programs, with about 40% having a family income of 1 to 2 minimum wages, 51% residing in Maceió and 28% in cities near the CECA Campus. Most (72%) cultivated medicinal plants, with 83% at home, 14% on farms, and 3% in apartments. The backyard was the most used space (40%), followed by the use of pots (25%) and gardens (15%), making use of plants obtained through donations, exchanges, and at fairs. Cultivation was carried out for personal consumption, as a hobby, and for therapy, with most respondents cultivating medicinal plants without technical guidance. However, many sought help from family, friends, and neighbors and obtained information from books, television, the internet, and other means of communication. The cultivation of medicinal plants is important for the studied population, highlighting the need for access to technical information.