Beef Production in Brazil: A Value Chain Approach to Reducing Deforestation
Abstract
Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon is a persistent environmental problem due to
its contributions to global climate change and biodiversity loss. The beef industry
is a major contributor to this problem with an estimated 60-75% of deforestation caused
by conversion of rainforest to pasture land. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the
Global Roundtable on Sustainable Beef (GRSB) are seeking advice on initiatives to
pursue that will make significant contributions to the reduction of deforestation.
This masters project analyzes the drivers of deforestation related to the production
of Brazilian beef and identifies initiatives that could help reduce deforestation.
For each initiative considered, benefits, risks, and barriers are explored. In addition,
an analysis of the Brazilian beef value chain is undertaken to determine which segments
of the chain hold the most appealing leverage points for implementing initiatives
to combat deforestation.
Based on the results of this analysis, this paper recommends that WWF and the GRSB
pursue efforts to improve land use planning, diversification of farm income, and implement
financial mechanisms, such as REDD+. This paper also lays out a timeline for undertaking
these initiatives, specific roles that the GRSB can play in each of these initiatives,
and key stakeholders that the GRSB must engage with to be successful at positively
impacting the problem of deforestation in the Amazon.
Type
Master's projectPermalink
https://hdl.handle.net/10161/6795Citation
Gonnella, Carrie; Holt, Jana; Hill, Louise; & Braunz, Amy (2013). Beef Production in Brazil: A Value Chain Approach to Reducing Deforestation. Master's project, Duke University. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/6795.Collections
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