Application of Correlation Analysis and Simple Linear Regression in the Brazilian Sugarcane Sector

Abstract

The sugar-energy (sugarcane) sector is the only agroindustrial sector that Brazil domains technologically and it presents great economic importance. The National Alcohol Program and the emergence of flexible-fuel vehicles have greatly contributed to the rise in the consumption of hydrated ethanol, boosting several improvements for the sector. It has made progress on socio-environmental issues. The present work sought to identify the type of relationship between ethanol supply and some socioeconomic factors of the sector, as well as to analyze the relationship between the selected variables. In this regard, it was based on the correlation analysis and annual statistical data of the sector during the period from 2006 to 2015 were used. As a result, significant correlations were identified, for example, a strong positive correlation between sugarcane and ethanol productions, the total fleet of vehicles and fleet of bi-fuel vehicles. Finally, this study is justified by filling a gap in relation to few studies in this area.