A Modernização da agricultura, classificação dos municípios e concentração da terra no estado do Maranhão

Abstract

This paper deals with the modernization of agriculture, classification of counties and the level of land concentration in the state of Maranhão. The data used in this study, was obtained from publications of Brazilian Geographic and Statistical Institute – IBGE. To verify technological level and for the classification of counties, factor analysis technique was used. To evaluate land concentration in the State, Gini index was calculated. The results showed constrast in the level of technology used in different counties. It was noted that a small group of farmers is using capital intensive technologies and a large number of farmers are applying traditional rudimentry technology. In relation to land concentration, it was observed that 1% of large farms accounts for 43% of the total farm area. It may he concluded the state of Maranhão represents a great disparity in relation to agricultural technology use in the counties.