Impacts of hybrid forage seed adoption in the global tropics 2001-2022

Burkart, S.; Jauregui, R.; Notenbaert, A.; Otieno, M.A.; Peters, M.; Florez, F. (2024) Impacts of hybrid forage seed adoption in the global tropics 2001-2022. Presentation prepared for the 1st International Seed Quality Conference, August 19-22, 2024, Kenya (Nairobi). 10 sl.

Despite the economic and social importance of cattle farming in the tropics, it is being questioned for the environmental impacts it can generate. Likewise, cattle farmers are affected by climate change, increasing vulnerability and putting food security at risk. The cattle sector is thus in a difficult position and at the center of the political debate on how to sustainably increase productivity while reducing potential negative impacts on the environment. One of the strategies in that regard is the development of improved feeding strategies. Against this background, the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and its partners launched a forage breeding program in 1987, which was focused on the development of interspecific Urochloa (syn. Brachiaria) hybrids. The first hybrid was released in 2001 by Grupo Papalotla, a seed company from Mexico, and since then, hybrid adoption has happened in over 70 countries. The impacts this adoption has generated over time are, however, yet largely unknown. Based on seed sales data, global databases, national statistics, grey literature, media, and expert consultations, this study analyzes these impacts regarding 4 dimensions: land use, social, economic, and environmental impacts. The results indicate an adoption between 2001 and 2022 by over 1.4 million farmers on over 1.6 million ha, which has benefitted almost 11 million people. By 2031, this adoption is expected to have generated of US$ 10-17 billion. Likewise, it is estimated that the adoption has caused a reduction in GHG emissions of 23-54 megatons CO2eq. in the Americas alone. Most of the impacts have happened in Latin America, but Africa and Asia are emerging markets with large untapped potential for further adoption and seed market development, income generation and diversification, and livelihood improvements of the most vulnerable parts of the population.