Soybean production, field inequalities and climate change in the Matopiba region

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between soy production and land inequality in the municipalities and income of agricultural establishments in the Matopiba region, between 2006 and 2017. Also to verify whether the expansion of soybean areas is associated with climate change from 1999 to 2018. For this, the economic and land indicators of producing municipalities - MPS and non-soy producing - NPS were compared. In addition, a correlation analysis between climatic variables and the area destined for soybeans was carried out. The results indicate that the economic growth of the MPS does not reduce inequalities. The MPS for over 30 years have been the ones that showed the greatest economic growth and income concentration, however, without significant changes in land concentration. The NPS showed a decrease in land and income inequality, although their total income and productive areas are lower than those of the MPS. The size of the cultivation areas of this conmodity has a significant relationship with the unwanted effects on the climate, such as rising average temperatures and reduced rainfall. It is concluded that soybean cultivation induces a type of economic growth that differs from the principles of sustainable development.

Keywords: Sustainability. Agriculture. Environment. Economy. Regional Development.