Saberes tradicionais na criação de animais e suas contribuições para a educação científica: um estudo com pecuaristas de Cajazeiras do Piauí - PI

Abstract

Ethnozoological knowledge constitutes a vital intangible heritage for family livestock farming in the semi-arid region of Piauí, guiding management practices and survival strategies. This study aimed to analyze traditional knowledge and its influence on local identity and cultural resistance. The methodology, of a qualitative and quantitative nature, involved the participation of 30 livestock farmers selected through the snowball sampling technique. Structured forms and semi-structured interviews were applied, which were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Bardin's (2011) content analysis. The results demonstrate that local knowledge is predominantly acquired through oral and intergenerational transmission (70% of the breeders have more than 20 years of experience). A strong use of ethnoveterinary practices and adaptive drought management was identified, although there are challenges such as generational discontinuity and epistemological marginalization in the face of academic knowledge. As a final product, an educational booklet was developed aimed at the valorization and safeguarding of this knowledge. It is concluded that strengthening an "ecology of knowledges" is essential to integrate popular knowledge into formal Biology teaching, ensuring the cultural and productive sustainability of the region.