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The following research analyzed the interactions between climate change and land use in the Buritirana district, a farming region located at Jalapão gateway, Tocantins state, Brazil. This relatively small area gathers high-tech soybean production developed in recent years, cattle breeding, small family farming, and none associated producers. The study focused on two groups: on the one hand farmers of the agricultural settlements Sítio and Entre Rios and on the other large soybean producers. The database was obtained by the MapBioma project and the WorldClim collection. The images retrieved were processed to plot geographic illustrations and furthermore to elaborate and interpret linear regression. Such framework intended to provide more evidences about the future perspectives of agricultural production in tropical regions. The results revealed an annual increase of average temperature in the examined region, characterized by a strong expansion of soybean monoculture, between 2013 and 2018. However, based on statistical analysis, evidence of correlating soybean expansion to climate changes in the Buritirana region could not be confirmed. Nevertheless, spread of monoculture and reduction of native flora in the Jalapão region and surroundings should be considered with concern, especially for small rural familiar farmers and for wildlife as well, even after approval of the new Brazilian Forest Code in 2008. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes extension and characteristics of research networks established by professors of the Post-graduate Program in Regional Development and Agribusiness of Unioeste (PGDRA). The study is based on Theory of Collective Actions, specifically on Network Theories. Information was collected from Brazilian Lattes and all papers published by professors of the Program between 2004 and 2014 processed. The data were transferred to matrixes containing universities and researchers involved. Results confirm a well structured research network established between PGDRA and universities in all Brazilian regions. Strong ties as well as weak ties are important to maintain and expand the existing research network. Furthermore, researchers with higher productivity were the most cooperative. Apparently, motivation to maintain and expand the existing network structure is based on social and psychological factors such as prestige, reputation, respect and close friendship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]