Índice de degradação ambiental agropecuária: Um estudo nos municípios do Rio Grande do Norte

Abstract

This study aimed to verify the level of environmental degradation in the municipalities of the State of Rio Grande do Norte, using the calculation of the Agricultural Environmental Degradation Index (IDAA) as a proxy. For this, the factor analysis method was applied. To investigate the similarity between the municipalities of Rio Grande do Norte, according to their propensity for degradation, cluster analysis was used. The data were extracted from the 2017 Agricultural Census. The results showed that the State presented an average index of 25.59%, that is, about a quarter of the sample shows a tendency towards environmental degradation. However, most municipalities fell into low (38%) and medium (41%) levels, while 21% revealed high rates. Expenditure on agricultural pesticides, fuels and lubricants are among the main indicators that induce environmental deterioration. It is concluded that becoming aware of the adverse effects of the means used in agricultural activity is essential to encourage strategies, especially on the part of the public sector, that balance increased productivity and environmental conservation.