Socioeconomic benefits from the new technologies in the açaí cultivation in Pará State

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to calculate the socio-economic benefits generated by the adoption of new technologies in the rational cultivation of açaí in the state of Pará, in the period 2001-2009. We used the results of açaí supply and demand equations estimated by Nogueira (2011) in order to get the price elasticities of supply and demand so as to assess the social and economic returns of adoption of new technologies on the açaí market economy in the state. Results showed that, from 2001 through the adoption of innovative technologies in the rational cultivation of fruit there was a substantial increase in the socioeconomic benefit to Pará population. That benefit reaching a level of R$25.763,79 mil, which represented an increase of 48.78% compared to the benefit obtained before the adoption of the technology, R$13.195,50 mil. Regarding the distribution of benefits, consumers have been the main beneficiaries with 71.86% of the total benefits.

Key words:
technological innovation; açaí; production system; socio-economic benefits