This paper presents the results of an investigation carried out in the Ivinhema river basin area, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, with the aim of analyzing the expansion of sugarcane production in this area in recent years and its effects on this area. The area of the river basin studied has seen a strong expansion of sugar-alcohol production in recent years, especially in the 2000s, when several sugar and alcohol plants were set up and sugarcane plantations began to occupy vast areas. The expansion of sugarcane cultivation has mainly occurred in areas previously occupied by pastures and, to a lesser extent, in spaces that were occupied by other large crops, mainly soybeans and corn.