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The extraction of nontimber forest products, an important tool in the conservation of forests and the generation of social benefits, is prominent in the economies of extractive communities. This article describes the production chain of fava d'anta (Dimorphandra gardneriana Tulasne) in two conservation areas of Chapada do Araripe, Northeast of Brazil, highlighting the socioeconomic profile of the collectors and the main conflicts in the extraction process of this resource. Participant observation and semistructured questionnaires were used to collect the information. Data were analyzed by SWOT-AHP, which ranked the main factors and subfactors that can affect the production chain. The extractivist family groups comprise individuals with low levels of education, and their economic base is dependent on the extractions of diverse (at least four) forest products. The fava d’anta chain presents difficulties regarding community organization, resource marketing and distribution, profit sharing among the stakeholders, conservation, and overexploitation of the species. On the other hand, the chain is effective in supporting the subsistence of collectors and the empowerment of minority groups. Obtaining the resource in distinct environments (forested, managed, and cultivated areas) allows extractivists to meet the market demand for the product while safeguarding the species in its natural environments. Collection of fava d'anta fruit in the region is important for extractivist communities and that, for the activity to be effective in promoting regional development, the organizational and institutional environment will need to be adjusted under constant monitoring.

Plant resources are essential to the survival of the human species, and they play several important roles in maintaining the quality of life. The purpose of this study was to assess the traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in the Ipiranga quilombola community on the south shore of the state of Paraiba, northeast of Brazil. Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews that were performed with the head of the family for all the domestic units in the community (total of 100 individuals). Data were qualitative and quantitative (Use-Value index and informant consensus factor) analyzed. A total of 69 species belonging to 38 families were mentioned by the respondents. Only two medicinal species (Stryphnodendron pulcherrimum (Willd.) Hochr and Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart. ex DC.) Mattos) are found in the surrounded Atlantic Forest area. All the other medicinal species are cultivated in backyards. The species with the highest Use-Values were Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L. Burtt. & R.M. Sm. (colony). The medicinal species were indicated for the treatment of 66 diseases, which were classified into 14 categories of body systems. Respiratory system disorders (0.54), gastrointestinal system disorders (0.43), and a genitourinary system disorder (0.42) were the categories with the highest consensus values among the respondents. The research showed that despite having a health center close to the community, the Ipiranga community still uses medicinal plants to cure diseases, with most species being cultivated in backyards.