Multicriteria Analysis for identification of priority areas for irrigation, through socio-economic indicators, in the context of the Tocantins-Araguaia Basin, Central-West Region of Brazil

Abstract:

This article aimed to identify the most suitable areas for the implementation of irrigation systems, in the Centra I-West portion of the Tocantins-Araguaia Basin, through the application of Multicriteria Analysis, considering socioeconomic indicators of the 178 municipalities that make up this region. Methodologically, from the bibliographic and documental research, the socioeconomic indicators were selected, in an amplitude that allowed an economic, demographic, social and environmental characterization of the basin and, at the same time, to delimit areas that could be used for irrigation projects, through interviews with experts in the field of irrigation and Multicriteria Analysis. The results showed that the basin has 29.2% of its area with restrictions on the implementation of irrigation systems; on the other hand, more than 70% of the area of the basin presented a high and very high class of aptitude, being able to verify that the region of greater aptitude is found, mainly, in the Planning Region of the Northeast of Goiás, considered strategic for investments, aiming at minimizing regional imbalances. In this sense, it is possible to conclude that the Multicriteria Analysis method proved to be satisfactory for this study, facilitating decision-making, in line with the National Irrigation Policy objectives, which aim to promote local and regional development, with priority for the regions with low social and economic indicators. In other words, the results can contribute to support decisions on investments to be made, within the perspective of social responsibility and sustainable development, by targeting those areas of greater vulnerability and social exclusion.

Keywords:
Multicriteria Analysis; socioeconomic indicators; irrigation