Abstract

MARQUES, Filipa; PAULA, Anabela; CACAO, Andreia  and  CASTRO, Paula. Perceptions of chestnut producers on ecosystem services provided by the chestnut groves in the municipality of Sabugal. Rev. de Ciências Agrárias [online]. 2023, vol.46, n.1, pp.21-30.  Epub Feb 01, 2023. ISSN 0871-018X.  https://doi.org/10.19084/rca.27783.

In Portugal, the chestnut tree is a species used essentially for chestnut production. The chestnut groves are multifunctional ecosystems that provide, besides food, essential ecosystem services (ES). As agents managing these ecosystems, farmers assume an essential role in implementing solutions that valorise the several goods and services that the chestnut groves provide. This study aimed to analyse and understand how these agents perceive the services and disservices associated with the chestnut production activity through an inquiry by questionnaire carried out with 14 producers in the municipality of Sabugal. The sample surveyed is characterised by conventional agriculture, with small and medium-sized farms, with low incomes. The agriculture they practice is perceived as an activity with a positive impact on ES. The main provisioning services perceived provided by the chestnut groves are the Production of Plants for Human Food and the Production of Materials (e.g.wood); in the regulating and supporting services, the majority consider that all of them can be provided; in the cultural services, the Beauty of the Landscape stands out. Farmers' perceptions are essential to guarantee an effective promotion of the services and multifunctionality of the chestnut groves.

Keywords : analysis of perceptions; chestnut; inquiry by questionnaire; farmers; ecosystem services.

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