Since colonial times, cattle ranching in Colombia has been one of the economic activities driving the country’s growth; however, its history is marked by an expansion that has had profound environmental implications. Extensive cattle ranching, which is based primarily on the accumulation of land without a high degree of technical specialization, has been responsible for the transformation of rural areas. Although it is one of the main productive activities, this production model has negative impacts on ecosystems, generating erosion, deforestation, and pollution of water sources (Gallo and Sanabria, 2019).
According to the most recent National Inventory of GHG emissions and removals (1990-2021), the agricultural sector, which includes livestock, accounts for 18% of the country’s total emissions (IDEAM 2024). A significant portion of these emissions comes from enteric methane produced by the digestion of cattle, a natural process in these animals. However, blaming cows exclusively oversimplifies the problem. Much of the responsibility lies in how we have historically managed livestock systems and land use in Colombia.
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Over the years, poor soil management and the lack of planning in livestock expansion have aggravated environmental problems. Improvements in management practices can significantly reduce emissions per unit of product, which demonstrates that it is not simply the presence of livestock that causes the problem, but rather how we manage this resource.
It is important to note that emissions do not only come from enteric fermentation, but from multiple factors that worsen the sector’s environmental impact. One of the most concerning is the conversion of forest land into pastureland, which entails deforestation. In Colombia, this practice has been common for decades, but recently greater environmental awareness has been promoted, with incentives for conservation and improvements in forest governance. According to Emilio Rodríguez, a biologist at the Foundation for Conservation and Sustainable Development (FCDS), “curbing deforestation requires a cultural and social transformation in land management.”
Another key factor is pasture management and livestock feeding practices. Inefficient management of pastures, such as the lack of proper rotation, the use of low genetic quality species, or the absence of agroforestry techniques, can increase emissions and reduce productivity. The use of sustainable systems such as silvopasture, together with adequate fertilization and genetic improvement, could mitigate these effects.
Finally, another important factor worth mentioning is manure management, which is why implementing practices such as composting or the use of biodigesters can transform this waste into a useful resource, reducing emissions and generating additional benefits for production.
The combination of these factors makes the environmental impact of cattle ranching in Colombia higher than necessary. Low-productivity livestock systems in particular present higher GHG emission intensities per kilogram of protein produced, which highlights the need to adopt more efficient and sustainable practices (Palencia, et al., 2021).
Faced with this situation, what is being done in Colombia to mitigate the impact of cattle ranching? In recent years, interest has grown in more sustainable practices, such as regenerative ranching and silvopastoral systems, solutions that seek not only to reduce GHG emissions but also to restore degraded soils and increase carbon capture.
Regenerative ranching focuses on improving soil health through proper pasture management and the promotion of biodiversity. Silvopastoral systems, on the other hand, integrate trees, pastures, and livestock, allowing for greater carbon capture and improving biodiversity. In Colombia, some areas are more suitable for livestock than for conventional agriculture, demonstrating that the key is to find the appropriate use of the land.
Pilot projects in various regions are also improving the efficiency of livestock feeding, which not only reduces methane emissions but also increases profitability and animal welfare. These initiatives are a clear example that sustainability and profitability can coexist.
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However, individual changes and changes in resource management are not enough on their own. The real challenge lies in how we manage public policies over the long term, ensuring that they are aligned with sustainability goals. Small and medium-sized producers, who are the heart of the livestock sector in Colombia, must receive the support needed to access sustainable technologies and receive training in new practices.
It is not fair to stigmatize cows, but it is crucial that livestock systems become part of the solution, not the problem. At #CarbonBox, we offer innovative tools to estimate and reduce the carbon footprint in agricultural and livestock systems, helping producers and business owners make more sustainable decisions. Contact us to learn how we can help transform your ranching practices and contribute to a more sustainable future.
References
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Gallo Aponte, W. I., & Sanabria Rodelo, A. (2019). Evaluación de impacto ambiental y ganadería extensiva en Colombia.
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Instituto de Hidrología, Meteorología y Estudios Ambientales - IDEAM (2024). Inventario nacional de emisiones y absorciones atmosféricas de Colombia. Gases de Efecto Invernadero (1990-2021) - Contaminantes Criterio y Carbono Negro (2010-2021). Instituto de Hidrología, Meteorología y Estudios Ambientales - IDEAM, Ministerio de Ambiente y Desarrollo Sostenible, Programa de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo - PNUD, Fundación natura, Proyecto GEF-CBIT “Transparencia Climática Colombia” y Proyecto Biocarbono “Paisajes sostenibles Bajos en carbono”.
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Palencia, L. G., Pulido, A. S., Quitian, H. M., Triana, C. F. T., & Luna, D. M. (2021). Intensidad de emisiones por unidad de producto para la ganadería bovina en Colombia.
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INDEPAZ (2024) Ganadería y deforestación en la amazonia, Instituto de estudios para el desarrollo y la paz. Available at: https://indepaz.org.co/ganaderia-y-deforestacion-en-la-amazonia/