Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forest Systems in the State of São Paulo, Brazil: case studies of early adopters

Abstract:

Degraded pastures have low productivity and negative environmental impacts. Farming systems that integrate cattle breeding, crop, and/or forest are alternatives to reverse this scenario; however, their adoption is heterogeneous among farmers. This study aims to investigate factors that influenced the first decisions made concerning the adoption and the diffusion of these systems from early adopters. Three cases of early adopters from the state of São Paulo were investigated through descriptive-exploratory analysis. The results show that institutions that act as intermediaries between farmers and other institutions of the innovation system have a relevant role in the adoption, adaptation, and diffusion of integrated systems. Agricultural cooperatives, farmers’ associations, and rural extension services are examples of intermediary institutions that fulfill this role assuming several functions: they help in the flow of information, provide technical guidance, support trade, and facilitate access to credit and risk reduction managerial tools. Additionally, it was identified that early adopters’ characteristics such as the experience in agricultural activities and their innovation capacity (novelty seeking, interpersonal communication, and risk tolerance) were also important for the adoption and, adaptation of integrated systems.

Keywords:
technology adoption; innovators; crop-livestock-forest integration