The perception of urban farmers about pests and cultivated plants in a metropolitan area of Recife

The cultural significance and relationships of societies with natural resources in urban areas constitute an important aspect that is still little explored in ethnoecology. The objective of this study was to describe and analyze the knowledge and practices of urban farmers, and how they categorize and control animals that are considered pests of cultivated plants. The survey was conducted in areas of cultivated vegetables in the vicinity of the Supply Logistics Center of Pernambuco (CEASA) in Recife, the capital of Pernambuco State, in northeastern Brazil. Thirty-three farmers were interviewed, who mentioned 13 animals as pests. The most frequent animal cited as a pest that causes injuries to cultivated plants was the ant, and the most frequent ecological relation cited was cochineals that were described as “mold”. The techniques used to control undesired animals are related to the cultural identity of the farmers and the market, resulting in a predominantly utilitarian perception of natural resources