Plantas da biodiversidade do semiárido com potencial alimentício para uma comunidade rural

Abstract

Objective: To identify plants from the local biodiversity with potential for food and nutritional use in a rural community in the interior of Rio Grande do Norte. Methodology: A cross-sectional, mixed study, primary data collected in the field were used through a semi-structured questionnaire with family farmers, and a second stage with secondary data, from bibliographic research on unconventional food plants found in the region. Results: 24 farmers in the community were interviewed. The EBIA revealed that 80% of the families interviewed have some degree of Food Insecurity. As for plant species, 37 different plant species were analyzed, most of them still consumed at present, with little diversity of use reported. However, 75% of respondents consider the presence of spontaneously growing plants to be important in their daily diet. Conclusion: The edible plant species in the region have interesting nutritional qualities for the reintroduction to routine consumption in the diet, which can contribute to the food and nutritional security of the local population.