Which economic activities are most important in Bahia’s interior?

In the interior of Bahia, agriculture serves as the primary economic occupation for the population. While the state's industrial activity is largely concentrated in the Salvador metropolitan area and Camaçari, the interior relies on a diverse range of agricultural and pastoral activities.1

Key economic activities in the interior include:

• Crop Cultivation: Farmers produce a variety of crops, including sugarcane, cassava (manioc), soybeans, coffee, tobacco, corn, cotton, cacao, and sisal. In specific regions like Alagoinhas, fruit production—particularly oranges—is a significant contributor to the local economy.12
• Livestock: Cattle ranching is a traditional and widespread activity, with livestock raised for meat, leather, and skins. In the dry sertão region, the economy also includes the raising of goats, sheep, and donkeys.13
• Mineral Extraction: The interior contains significant mineral resources, including petroleum, natural gas, copper, chrome, and various other ores.1
• Hydroelectric Power: The São Francisco River is a vital economic asset, providing vast hydroelectric potential through major dams such as Sobradinho and Paulo Afonso, which support energy needs across the region.13