Agrobiodiversity in quilombola communities in Brazil: a scientometric approach and study perspectives

Abstract

This study aimed to carry out a scientometric approach to agrobiodiversity research in quilombola communities in Brazil, during the period from 2000 to 2021, using different virtual databases. The quantitative data were analyzed descriptively and to generate perspectives on the subject, based on scientometrics, the relevant literature was used, which was analyzed qualitatively. Thirty-nine academic-scientific productions were found, developed by predominantly passing authors, with a predominance of dissertations and articles, especially in relation to the quilombolas of the Midwest region, linked to the University of Brasília. The temporal distribution of the listed publications was sparse during the analyzed period, with a predominance from 2018, with approaches on characterization, changes and food security in the context of agrobiodiversity. Manuscripts have free access to the public, with articles being the most cited, and numerous methods and techniques were used in these researches. The categories of plant use addressed were food and medicinal, with emphasis on the Lamiaceae, Asteraceae and Fabaceae families. In the face of quilombola agrobiodiversity in Brazil, the work developed and disseminated in the academic-scientific environment is still minimal, with perspectives related to the promotion of projects and public policies for environmental conservation, increase in traditional knowledge and resource management in the scientific collection, maintenance of communities and the traditional way of life, and investments in Science and Biotechnology, mainly in regions very threatened by anthropic actions.