What is needed to successfully implement Colombia’s first public policy for sustainable cattle farming?

In recent years, the Colombian cattle sector has faced significant challenges in transforming its traditional extensive systems to sustainable practices that can mitigate environmental harm and adapt to climate change. Cattle farming is a cornerstone of Colombia’s agricultural economy, but its environmental impact—especially in terms of deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions—has raised concerns. In response to these challenges, the Colombian government, through Resolution 000126 of 2022, launched the Public Policy Guidelines for Sustainable Cattle 2022-2050 (Lineamientos de Política para la Ganadería Bovina Sostenible, LPGBS), aiming to shift the sector towards more sustainable practices. However, the road to implementing this policy is far from smooth.

A recent study, based on a mixed-methods approach combining literature reviews and key-informant interviews, assesses the current state of the LPGBS and identifies the key capacity gaps hindering its effective implementation. The study not only highlights difficulties in the policy design but also provides recommendations on the necessary steps to build the capacities required for the transition to sustainable cattle farming in Colombia.