<b>Evolution and spatial distribution of dairy production in Paraná State, Brazil

Abstract

The dairy farming of Parana features a very heterogeneous production among its mesoregions. Hence, the scope of this study is to characterize spatially the regions dedicated to the activity of dairy farming in Parana, in 2005 and 2011. In this regard, we use the exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) as the methodology to verify the presence of spatial autocorrelation among Parana cities and to identify clusters for gross production value (GPV) of dairy farming. Thus, the following variables were used: productivity rate, production of milk, Agricultural GPV, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and FIRJAN index for social economic development of Parana cities. The results show the formation of a huge cluster in West and Southwest mesoregions for high GPV of dairy farming values in 2005 and 2011. Furthermore, there are clusters for low values of GPV, one in the mesoregion of ‘pioneer north’ and central north and another in the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba. In order to foster an equal economic development among Parana cities engaged on dairy farming, this information can be used to assist the development of public policies, in order to improve less developed regions, located mainly in clusters type low-low.