Efficiency assessment for a group of agroecological family farmers using data envelopment analysis

The aim of this study was to analyze productive efficiencies (evaluated according to DEA models, Data Envelopment Analysis) under agroecological criteria, seeking greater stability and less seasonal variability, greater variety, diversity, quantity of items produced and sold items. DEA methodology was applied to measure the efficiency of 17 agricultural plots of agroecological farmers. These plots are located in a strip of Petrobras ducts area in the municipality of Nova Iguacu, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. Primary data were collected referring to the production sold in weekly markets, distributed over the months from January to December 2009; organized in items, quantities and average value. A joint agroecological relationship with economic, social and environmental criteria focus was recorded. Seven plots comprised efficiency above the average (67.6%), ranging from 71.3 to 86.6%.