Promoting the transition from livestock farming to horticulture-based agroforestry
Brazil faces a paradox in its food system: the livestock sector, despite its economic importance, is the largest contributor to climate pressure and deforestation, yet it does not contribute to the country’s food security to the same extent that it pressures the environment and utilizes natural resources.
Livestock occupies 20% of the land but provides only about 37% of the calories consumed by Brazilians in fresh and minimally processed foods, which the Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population indicate should be the basis of the national diet. In contrast, agriculture, despite occupying only 10% of the land, provides 63% of Brazilian calories. In search of a path that harmonizes food security, increased producer income, and environmental regeneration, this report investigates the migration from livestock farming to horticulture-based agroforestry systems (AFS).
This integrated study, coordinated by ProVeg Brazil and conducted by OCA, reveals that this transition both contributes to climate mitigation and adaptation, and represents a crucial strategy for a just transition, through the potential for increased rural producer income and a decisive contribution to food security and healthy, adequate nutrition.