Programas de agroindustrialização para o desenvolvimento rural: riscos e incertezas dos projetos de implantação

In order to ensure the economic sustainability of a small-scale agroindustrial project, it is essential that properinvestment opportunity studies be conducted, observing, among other factors, the business model and its associatedrisks. An adequate ability to perform this analysis is also considered essential to guarantee the effectiveness ofdevelopment programs. The objective of this work is to discuss the current methodology of feasibility studies,emphasizing the specific needs of small-scale agroindustrial project analysis. An attempt to identify the limitations ofthe classical approach of uncertainty and risk analyses, in this regard, is made. It is argued that the success rate ofagroindustrial development projects and programs can be improved by the preparation and evaluation of well designedbusiness plans. In this perspective, variables that may threaten the sustainability goal should be properly identified andevaluated under a systems approach.