Sustainability index approach for Baixo Acaraú Irrigated District, Ceará, using multivariate analysis

Abstract

This work was carried out to develop an integrated analysis of determinants factors on the farmers’ sustainability in Baixo Acaraú Irrigated District, Ceará, Brazil. The study was performed through a sustainability index (SI) using Factor Analysis/Principal Component Analysis (FA/PCA). The approach was based on 22 cross-over form applied to small farms that lived in the irrigated district, as well as on evaluation of irrigation performance. Results pointed out that five components, explaining 80% of the total variance, supported the structure of sustainability of the irrigated district. Loads associated to each component indicated that sustainability is, principally, related to the educational degree and the use of suitable techniques for agricultural production. The index was also capable of demonstrating clear dissimilarity among the agricultural producers in relation to the sustainability of the used production model. Among them, only 9% presented a condition of stable sustainability, which are those that have higher level of training and have some experience in relation to irrigation management. The standard index of the District (0.54) point out a concerning condition, since 27.3% of the agricultural producers present an unsustainable condition.