Economic and sustainable growth of the cerrado

Abstract

A short review is made of the economic growth and sustainable development, empliasizing elements and concepts of the economic, social and ecological aspects constructs within the theoretical framework of the Cerrado. Problems relating to the Cerrado, savanna-like areas, are defined, highlighting the environment after undergoing clearing and erosion. The main objective is to call attention to challenges to be met and the need for action and strategy for sustainable development which should be defined as an indispensible condition, ever more pressing, for survival. Among the socioeconomic indices, special emphasis should be given to human quality of life performance, such as life expectancy, infant mortality and literacy rates which are above the national average. Within the economic activity, a significant increase was registered in the area of soybean, of approximately 135 thounsand ha/year, with the average increase of yields reaching 45 kg/ha. The analysis of the production structure, taking only one factor into consideration, estimated high concentration (Gini above 0.8) which means that there was less equitative distribution agravated somewhat at the end of the 1985 intercensus period. Potentially propelling development trends project such things as the East-West and North-South railways, which would mean the incorporation of new areas into the productive process. For the efficient incorporation of potential reserves, different complementary measures and structures are indicated, with special mention of the R&D importance for this process. Finally, the principal findings and challenges implicit in the sustainable development proposal for the Cerrado are presented. The technological change aspect for conservation is emphasized.