Abstract

Underdeveloped countries can be generally assessed as those with low diversification
and an economy with a strong agricultural sector, a services sector that is dependent
on the agricultural and an incipient industry. This has led many people to think such countries
would have a “destiny” to keep specialized in such sector. This paper reviews the history
of the agricultural sector in Brazil and the internal and external conditions that led to its
development as well as give an analysis of the relevance of population movements that affect
the agricultural frontiers of Brazil.

JEL Classification: Q10; Q18; J61.