Attention of Numerical Data
In 1986, a sample sample of about 45% of the 2,934 existing agricultural lots were chosen from the four sites previously established through the colonization project (Section 01, Section 02, Section 03 & Section 06). Samples were selected using a simple random sampling technique, taking into consideration the initial use of the lots as verified in field visits and satellite images.
Around 450 farmers were interviewed and their production structures and systems analyzed in December of 1986, September of 1989, May to June of 1993, and May of 1996.
A survey form was used to obtain field site data with the objective as being as objective as possible in order to portray the realities of the farmers. Objectivity also guarantees uniformity of language in the attainment of data in later site visits. The defined survey was tested and elaborated in function of information available on the object in study and the objectives of this work. It joins nearly 250 variables, with the main ones being:
The survey also contains two open-ended questions where the farmers may indicate their biggest problems in the production of and the principal necessities of agricultural development.
Information was also collected in regards to the commercialization of agricultural products, the types and intensity of deforestation, the associations between annual and perennial cultures, standards for culture rotation, and land use.
Field surveys are carried out by the technicians of Embrapa NMA, with technical and manual participation provided by the NGO ECOFORÇA and by other regional governmental agencies, such as Embrapa/CPAF-RO, CEPLAC-RO, EMATER, INCRA, Sucam, and the Municipal City Hall of Machadinho d'Oeste, amongst others.
The data collected in the field are checked, homogenized, and formatted, creating numerical data bases for each one of the realized site visits (1986, 1989, 1993, 1996).
After information is obtained via questionnaires, various tests of consistency are applied, allowing for some elimination of error in data entry, positioning and/or digitation. The possession of a finalyzed archive, both corrected and homogenized, allows for the treatment of data as it actually stands.
