Uso de lenha na comunidade quilombola passagem do vigário, Taquarana, AL

Abstract

Firewood is used as a primary energy source in many countries, especially by human populations in rural and low-income areas. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, use, and preferences of woody species employed as fuel for domestic purposes by residents of the quilombola community of Passagem do Vigário, Taquarana, Alagoas, in order to contribute to the development of strategies for the sustainable use of forest biomass in the community. The specific objectives were to characterize the socioeconomic profile of the community, describe the use of firewood for domestic purposes, document the species known, used, and preferred as firewood by residents, and identify the criteria that most influence the frequency of use of selected species. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted in all 32 households in the community, using the free-listing technique to identify species known and used as firewood. Subsequently, guided tours were carried out to collect botanical samples and record images of the cited species. The data were analyzed using different statistical tests. The study revealed a strong connection between the community and its territory, as well as a high valuation of ancestry, within a context of low educational levels and an economy based on agriculture and pensions. Population aging was also observed, with implications for the labor force and the transmission of knowledge. Firewood use was recorded in all households; however, it was mainly associated with specific uses, such as traditional festivities (e.g., June bonfires), and occurred sporadically, being rarely used by most informants. Ten species were identified, predominantly native, and the frequency of use was significantly associated with the perceived quality of the wood. It is concluded that firewood use is more strongly related to cultural aspects than economic ones, being influenced by social inequalities and access to public policies.