Avaliação do impacto socioeconômico da cultura do Baru em municípios com comunidades em situação vulnerável

Abstract

Baru (Dipteryx alata), a native species of the Brazilian cerrado, has emerged as a significant economic alternative for low-income communities in the northwest region of Minas Gerais. Despite structural and market challenges, the extractivism of baru has adopted sustainable practices that contribute to the preservation of the cerrado's biodiversity while providing an essential source of income for small farmers and local extractivists. This study aims to assess the socioeconomic impact of this activity in low-income municipalities of the northwest mesoregion of Minas Gerais, focusing on its relevance to family farming and regional development. The research provides a detailed analysis of extractivism practices, commercialization, and sustainable management, combining socioeconomic and environmental data obtained through documentary research, interviews, and geospatial analysis. The findings reveal the potential of baru extractivism to boost the local economy sustainably while proposing measures to optimize existing practices, minimize environmental impacts, and expand the benefits for the involved communities. The recommendations aim to strengthen cooperatives, add value to baru-derived products, and expand commercialization networks.