Challenges and Perspectives of Pinhão Production Considering the Dimensions of Sustainability

Abstract

The activity of collecting non-timber forest products (NTFPs) is a secular activity in Brazil, more specifically the sertão [Brazilian backlands]. Many of these activities have ceased to exist over the years, although pinhão (Araucaria angustifolia seeds) production still persists as an income generator. Given this context, this study sought to answer the following question: “What are the challenges and perspectives of pinhão production considering the context of the community of Barro Preto in the city of Arvorezinha (Rio Grande do Sul State, southern Brazil) from the dimensions of sustainability?” Using thematic analysis, this interpretative qualitative study employed conversational interviews by Boje and Rosile (2021). In mapping the challenges and perspectives of the extractive activity of pinhão, these findings showed that inserting actors from the base of the pinhão productive chain to induce them to tell their stories is not enough to build a narrative that contemplates all the dimensions of sustainability.