Cocoa farming (Theobroma cacao L.) was introduced in the State of Bahia, Brazil, in 1746 and was disseminated especially in its southeastern region. This research identified the main cocoa farming methods adopted in that region over time, highlighting its practices, aspects of their historical context and the perceptions about them by some social agents. To achieve this goal, the literature on the theme was reviewed and individuals with extensive knowledge on cocoa cultivation in the region were interviewed. As a result, six main cocoa farming methods were identified, which presented different advantages and disadvantages to farmers and a range from shadeless (slash and burn) to densely shadowed cultivation (cabruca). Different reasons were perceived as justification for the preference of local farmers for the traditional cabruca method.
Agricultural practices; Slash and burn agriculture; Cocoa farming; Cabruca; Agrobiodiversity; Sustainable development
