Family farmers' environmental perception of ecosystem services in the Brazilian semi-arid region

Abstract

Rural populations, whose economies are based on agriculture and livestock, depend on ecosystem ser­vices. The aim of this study was to assess family farmers’ environmental perception of ecosystem services and their importance. The study was con­ducted in two communities in the semi-arid region of Piauí, Northeastern Brazil. Data were collected through nonparticipant observation and semi-structured interviews and analyzed using word clouds, Likert scales, and semantic networks. Farm­ers have a broad perception of ecosystem service categories, recognizing and valuing provisioning and cultural services above all. Nature is seen as playing a fundamental role in the activities of these communities, which depend on natural resources for their livelihoods and leisure.