Extension services can promote pasture restoration: Evidence from Brazil’s low carbon agriculture plan

Arthur Bragança, Peter Newton, Avery Cohn, Juliano Assunção, Cristiane Camboim, Diego de Faveri, Barbara Farinelli, Viviana M.E. Perego, Mateus Tavares, Janei Resende, Sidney de Medeiros, Timothy D. Searchinger

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Innovation and improved practices in the livestock sector represent key opportunities to meet global climate goals. This paper provides evidence that extension services can promote pasture restoration in cattle ranching in Brazil. We use a randomized controlled trial implemented in the context of the ABC Cerrado (a large-scale program launched in 2014 aimed at fostering technology adoption through a combination of training and technical assistance) to examine the effects of different types of extension on agricultural practices, input use, and productivity. Providing technical assistance to previously trained producers promoted pasture restoration, induced farmers to use inputs more intensively, helped them to improve their management and soil conservation practices, and substantially increased revenues. A cost–benefit calculation indicates that US$1 invested in the ABC Cerrado program increased profits by US$1.08 to $1.45. Incorporating carbon savings amplifies this return considerably.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere2114913119
JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume119
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 22 2022
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General

Keywords

  • Agricultural extension
  • Cattle ranching
  • Technology adoption

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