A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW OF THE DOMESTIC ECONOMY IN MAMIRAUÁ AND AMANÃ IN 2010

Abstract

The paper presents recent data on the domestic economy of Mamirauá and Amanã Reserves (2010). It focuses on the composition and distribution of incomes and expenses of households, considering three main regions: Amanã, lower and upper Mamirauá. Data is from a socioeconomic survey with a sample of 40% of all of the two reserve’s households (n=920). For the whole area, average family income was R$ 9.047 a year, or R$ 754 per month. Average family annual expenses were R$ 6.607. Social benefits have a very important impact on the composition of household incomes. It is the main source of income in all three regions studied which, nevertheless, show differences in the participation of the other main sources of income. Salaries and services are more important in the lower Mamirauá region; fishing in upper Mamirauá region, and agriculture at Amanã. Data also showed very low inequality levels among households in the sample. Regarding household goods, the study showed that material inequality has decreased, allowing families to fulfill consumption projects, previously inaccessible. The abundance of natural resources and its direct and exclusive access guaranteed by the reserves are crucial factors in the livelihood of these families. Combined with the traditional knowledge and practices, developed and reproduced socially, residents and users of Mamirauá and Amanã Reserves have a degree of economic autonomy not shared by residents of cities and regions outside the reserves.