Vida insular: agricultores e pescadores na Comunidade São José da Ilha do Careiro da Várzea (Amazonas-Brasil)

Abstract

The dissertation "Insular Life: Farmers and Fishermen in the São José Community of Careiro da Várzea Island" has the central objective of revealing the origins of Careiro da Várzea Island, the socio-environmental dynamics, the work practices of Amazonian peasants, and the environmental and social impacts that occur in this territory. It highlights the forms of adaptation and resilience in the face of environmental transformations and socio-economic challenges that occur in this territory. It emphasizes the interactions between traditional ways of life and the natural environment, influenced by the seasonality of the Solimões River. The research adopts a quali-quantitative approach, with the collection of bibliographic, documentary, and field data, enabling a detailed analysis of the São José community, complemented by a brief analysis of the São Francisco community. The study was carried out in three stages, covering different seasonal phases (dry season, receding flood, and high flood), which allowed for a broad view of the environmental transformations and their socio-economic implications. The results reveal the land formation process on Careiro da Várzea Island, the productive practices adapted to the seasonal variations of the river, and the importance of traditional knowledge for local sustainability. It was observed that the seasonal cycle directly impacts economic, social, and cultural activities, influencing the management of natural resources, the organization of family labor, and family consumption strategies. The practices of family farming, fishing, extractivism, and animal husbandry, which ensure food security, income generation, and the preservation of the cultural identity of the communities, are highlighted. The study also addresses the impact of climate change, socio-economic pressure, and the lack of adequate infrastructure on the way of life of the peasants. The emergence of natural phenomena, such as the appearance of "newly formed lands," demonstrates the dynamism of the Amazonian landscape and the ability of communities to adapt to new environmental conditions. Labor relations were analyzed from the perspective of classical and contemporary authors, promoting a critical reflection on the interaction between humans and the environment. The dissertation contributes to the understanding of the relationships between territory, work, and the environment in the Amazon, emphasizing the importance of community resilience in the face of environmental changes and socio-economic pressures. By integrating traditional and academic knowledge, the study highlights the role of riverside communities in the construction of sustainable strategies, contributing to the debate on public policies aimed at the socio-environmental development of the Amazonian region.