Dynamics of Cattle Ranching, in the Alto Acre River Region University of Florida Universidade Federal do Par EMBRAPA Amaznia Oriental IAI III LBA Scientific Meeting Brasilia, July 27, 2004 Field Work 3 weeks July/ Researchers 56 Interviews Key-Informants Extractivists12 Colonists05 Colonists (dairy)08 Ranchers09 Businessmen06 Researchers/Tech. staff04 Government officials.05 Leaders of Extractivist Org..04 Leaders of Colonists Org.02 Leaders of Ranchers Org. 01 Total56 Administrative Regions Conservation Units Colonization Projects Typification of Producers Labor family/hired DiversifiedEspecialized > Technology< Technology> Technology< Technology BB/DB/DBB/DB/DBB/DB/DBB/DB/D Typification of Producers Critical Decision 1 Why Cattle Ranching? Ranchers Profitability Low Risk Capital Available Land Prices Extractivists & Colonists Income Liquidity Savings/insurance Credit Marketing chain Transportation Status and simbolic meaning Reserva Chico Mendes Deforestation, 1986 Reserva Chico Mendes Deforestation, 1992 Reserva Chico Mendes Deforestation, 1998 Critical Decision 2 Pasture Management Predominant System Braquiaro (Brachiaria brizantha) - 100% Puerria (Pueraria phaseoloides) -30% Low carrying capacity No pasture rotation Available Technology Soil fertilization Pasture rotation (up to 3,5 U.A./ha) Breeding Artificial insemination Barriers to Intensification Technical assistance Costs Lack of tradition/management skills Inadequate credit policies Decision 3 - Deforestation D3 = f (D1*D2*P.P.) Critical Decision 3 Rural Credit Subsidies to rubber and Brazil nuts Law enforcement Rural Credit Colonists and extractivists (FNO-e, PROCERA, PRODEX): increase of cattle herds/pasturelands Ranchers (FNO): restore degraded pastures, intensification Law Enforcement Agreement between IBAMA and IMAC for granting def.permits Prosecution of offenders among all categories Community self-control mechanisms Conclusions Ranching is attractive to all categories Profitable disregarding subsidies and land speculation Other advantages (liquidity, status...) Deforestation still under control Recommendations (research) Symbolic role of cattle, and conflicts among extractivists (generations) Impact of Brazil nut and rubber subsidies Comparative study of land tenure and land use systems: RESEX vs. PAE, madeira vs. pecuria