ANCESTRAL PRACTICES IN THE CULTIVATION OF Manihot esculenta CRANTZ IN AMAZONIAN INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES OF ECUADOR

Abstract

The objective of the study was to identify the permanence of ancestral practices in the cultivation of Manihot esculenta Crantz (Yuca) in productive units of Amazonian communities of Ecuador. The study was carried out in the parish Mother Earth of the Pastaza Canton, Ecuador. Farmers (62 informants) were selected by non-probabilistic sampling, with the criterion of cultivating cassava in their productive units. Semi-structured interviews, observation tours and deep interviews were conducted. The variables analysed were: age, level of education, gender of the informants; cultivated area; cultivated cassava varieties; observation of the lunar phases; association with other crops; pest and weed control methods; cassava storage methods, medicinal uses and ritual practices associated with cultivation. The results show that the average age of the farmers is 55.7 years; the majority are women (62.7 %); 88.7 % consider the lunar phase for sowing, of them 92.7% sow in full moon; they cultivate four species of cassava; they use two traditional methods to control the arriera ant. The results suggest the need to promote the use of sustainable ancestral practices in cassava cultivation technology transfer programs.