Núcleos de desenvolvimento setoriais da agricultura no estado do Ceará

Abstract

The central purpose of this study is to map the Local Productive Arrangements (APLs) in 184 municipalities of the state of Ceará. The method used is based on Crocco et al. (2003), and uses the indicators to identify clusters. From these indicators draw up the Concentration Index linked to a sector within a municipality. To calculate the weight of each concentration indices, using the method of factor analyses using the technique principal components analysis. With the results, the economy of Ceará was divided into four main sectors: Fruit concentrates 5 APLs in Macroregion Sobral-Ibiapaba; Root Vegetables and Tubers with 3 clusters concentrated in Macroregion Sobral-Ibiapaba; Grains and Cereals with spatial concentration of producers in Macroregion Cariri-Centro Sul; Processing Crops Agroindustrial with concentration in Macroregion SobralIbiapaba and Baturité. Therefore, the overall, the results showed specializations in various sectors. However, the highlight lies in the fruit crops with a concentration in the coastal regions and mountains. It concludes by emphasizing that the formation of Sector-Regional Development Centers can create synergistic environments which advances in trade, attracting investment and economic integration. Thus, it is understood that the information here structured, and the continuity of identification of agricultural production arrangements of crops marketed in Ceará, are extremely important to signal necessary references to government and investors in planning actions and more reliable strategies for decision making.