Análise das percepções e estratégias de adaptação aos eventos extremos de cheia e vazante na região sul do Amazonas: uma abordagem pela Metodologia da Rede de Interação (MRI)

Abstract

The flood and dry seasons occur annually in the Amazon region. However, with the passing of years, these events have become more intense and occur in shorter or longer periods. In this way, they result in impacts on riverine communities, modifying their way of life, such as agriculture, housing and social conditions, besides causing social and environmental problems to the riverine communities. In addition, these changes alter the ecosystem of the region. This phenomenon forces riverine communities to develop adaptation strategies to minimize the effects of impacts occurring in their habitat. In this sense, this research analyzed the perceptions of communities, adaptation strategies and impacts of floods and leaks in the southern region of the Amazon, through the methodology of the Interaction Network and the perception of community presidents and community health agentes. The methodology adopted was the qualitative-quantitative approach, with an exploratory character and field observation. This type of research facilitated the researcher’s interaction with the object of study. In addition, an integrative bibliographic survey on the Purus River and adaptation strategy of riverine communities in the Amazon was developed. The research was developed in three riverine communities of the municipality of Lábrea-AM: Praia de Lábrea, Praia de Gado and Maciari. Semi-structured interviews were applied to the community presidents and community health workers. To complement the survey, a questionnaire was also applied with open and closed questions with local residents. Data analysis was done with statistical methods, such as mean, median, maximum, minimum and percentage, accompanied by a descriptive analysis of narratives. The results show that the ribeirinhos perceive changes in the hydrological dynamics of the Purus river, with impacts on agriculture, health, housing and displacement. Communities develop adaptation strategies, such as the construction of lofts, suspended pitches, estivas and trappings, anticipation of harvest and storage of seeds and water. The Interaction Network showed that these impacts are interlinked and present long-term effects such as economic instability, food insecurity and health risks. It is concluded that the traditional knowledge, built and transmitted between generations, guides the practices adopted by the riverines to face the extreme events of flood and dry season.