Analysis of the latex production chain of Hevea brasiliensis in the community of Vila Franca, Resex Tapajós Arapiuns

Abstract

Non-timber forest products such as latex extracted from rubber trees are an alternative source
of income for traditional populations. Therefore, the present study aims to describe the viability
of the extraction and commercialization of Latex in the community of Vila Franca, located in the
Extractive reserve Tapajós-Arapiuns in the municipality of Santarém-Pará. Semi-structured
interviews were conducted with artisans and rubber tappers, as well as the quantification of
expenses in manufacturing the products. With this, it was observed that the highest net revenue
is obtained by the artisans for the diversification of production. However, the second link
of the rubber tappers presented lower manufacturing cost. Thus, the productive chain of latex
presents itself as a viable alternative for the residents, since they are able to obtain a profit from
production, through the encouragement of development programs such as Poloprobio. However,
there is a need to develop more detailed studies to prove the efficiency of the process.