Impacts of Urochloa hybrid forage seed adoption in the global tropics 2001-2023

Despite the economic and social importance of cattle farming in the tropics, the sector is under increasing scrutiny due to its environmental impacts. At the same time, cattle farmers are highly vulnerable to climate change, which threatens food security and amplifies the challenges they face. This puts the cattle industry in a difficult position, central to political debates on how to sustainably increase productivity while minimizing environmental harm. One key strategy to address these challenges is the development of improved feeding practices. In this context, CIAT and its partners initiated a forage breeding program in 1987, focusing on the development of interspecific Urochloa (formerly Brachiaria) hybrids. The first hybrid was released in 2001 by the Mexican seed company Grupo Papalotla, and since then, these hybrids have been adopted in more than 70 countries. However, the full extent of the impacts from this adoption remains largely unknown. This study examines the effects of hybrid adoption across four dimensions—land use, social, economic, and environmental—drawing on seed sales data, global databases, national statistics, grey literature, media, and expert consultations. The findings show that between 2001 and 2023, over 1.57 million farmers have adopted these hybrids, covering more than 1.8 million hectares and benefiting nearly 11.7 million people. By 2032, the economic value of this adoption is projected to reach at least US$ 11.4 billion. Additionally, it is estimated that in the Americas alone, this adoption has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 25-59 megatons of CO2eq.. While most impacts have been concentrated in Latin America, Africa and Asia represent emerging markets with significant potential for further adoption and seed market expansion.

Burkart, S.; Jauregui, R.; Notenbaert, A.; Atieno, M.; Peters, M.