Sustainable Agriculture
Global population growth and improved economic conditions create increasing demand for food and agricultural raw materials. At the same time, agricultural activities are one of the most significant sources of carbon emissions and water use, and climate change is set to have severe impacts on food production and nutrition across the globe.
CPI research identifies pathways to implement more productive and climate-resilient agricultural practices that incorporate low emission standards and sustainable techniques. The research, analysis and business models we develop support the scaling of sustainable agricultural practices worldwide. We promote partnerships with public and private entities to develop financial mechanisms to fund the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices as well as work directly with policymakers in the design of more effective policies to spur sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.
Featured work
Publication
Productivity for Cattle Ranching in Brazil: Pastureland Declines Might Show a New Pathway
This white paper from CPI/PUC-Rio, outlines the close connection between cattle productivity and the share of farmland devoted to this activity. Estimates using Agricultural Census data from the last four decades show that these variables are inversely related, indicating that cattle ranching becomes more productive as ranch size declines. Additional empirical exercises suggest that the cost of the land relative to the capital might explain this relationship. Finally, the white paper presents policy lessons that might show a pathway for intensifying cattle ranching without inducing further deforestation.
Publication
The Impact of Rural Credit on Brazilian Agriculture and the Environment
This brief summarizes findings from an emerging research by CPI/PUC-Rio on the role rural credit plays in Brazil. CPI analysts, under INPUT, determined that rural credit makes a significant difference in raising agricultural productivity and improving land use. The analysts conclude that lack of financial resources often limits farmers’ production possibilities in Brazil. Improved credit access allows producers to make new decisions that lead to higher productivity.
Publication
Pathways for Sustainable Agricultural Production in Brazil: Necessary Investments and Potential Gains of Increasing Efficiency
This publication summarizes the findings from a recent research project by CPI/PUC-Rio which computes the capital costs of maximizing Brazil’s agricultural production without increasing deforestation. This research provides unique insights in potential policy changes needed in Brazil to help farmers overcome the constraints they face to invest in modern technologies, inputs and equipment.
Latest work
Publication
Aligning Rural Credit with the Forest Code
This document, which was elaborated by CPI/PUC-Rio, recommends the association between Rural Credit and the Forest Code to be put in practice in the next Plano Safra (2019/2020) – which is Brazilian annual agricultural plan.
Publication
The Fragmented Rules of Brazilian Rural Credit
In this brief, CPI/PUC-Rio analysts identify features of the rural credit policy that create a fragmentation of rules and, consequently, additional artificial variation in credit access and loan conditions
Publication
A Sustainable Economic Transition for Berau, East Kalimantan
This CPI study, produced as part of Project LEOPALD or Low Emissions Oil Palm Development examines whether palm oil’s potential as an economic driver will bear out for Indonesia’s goals, using Berau as an example case.
Publication
Indonesia’s Village Fund
In keeping with its goals for sustainable economic growth and an inclusive and equitable economy, Indonesia is committed to avoiding deforestation. As the drivers of deforestation often originate from activities outside of forest borders, it is not enough to solve deforestation by conducting segregated actions targeted to specific forest areas. Indonesia must also work to strengthen the rural economy and improve regional collaboration by working across various administrative jurisdictions that encompass forest governance. To ensure the success of this jurisdictional approach, improved economic power and village governance are key.
Publication
Insecure Land Rights in Brazil: Consequences for Rural Areas and Challenges for Improvement
This report shows that there are important social, economic, and environmental costs associated with the lack of well-defined property rights; while at the same time presenting the many complexities within Brazil’s system of land governance that need to be addressed in order to improve the system.
Publication
Rural Credit Policy in Brazil: Agriculture, Environmental Protection, and Economic Development
In this report, researchers from CPI/PUC-Rio provide an in-depth analysis of Brazilian rural credit policy and discuss challenges and recent progress in public policy. The analysis benefits from years of research and discussions with policymakers, the private sector, and academic researchers.
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Fostering Economic Resilience in Berau through Smallholder Crop Diversification
This CPI study explores crop diversification opportunities to support independent smallholders in Berau for better long-term outcomes
Publication
Examining the Climate Finance Gap for Small-Scale Agriculture
Less than 2% of total climate finance goes to small-scale farmers in developing nations. This report proposes a methodology to measure climate finance flows to small-scale agriculture in developing countries and provides a snapshot of climate finance to small-scale agriculture in 2017/18.
