Livestock Emission Reduction Policies and their Impact on Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Peru

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the livestock emission reduction policies and their impact on greenhouse gas emissions in Peru.

Materials and Methods: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.

Findings: The findings revealed that reveal that these policies hold promise in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions associated with livestock farming, but their effectiveness varies by region and context. In the United States, stringent policies resulted in reduced methane emissions, emphasizing the importance of consistent implementation. In the European Union, policy effectiveness varied across member states, underscoring the need for knowledge sharing. In India, policies had mixed socioeconomic impacts, calling for targeted support. In the Brazilian Amazon, policies reduced livestock emissions but inadvertently contributed to deforestation, highlighting the importance of integrated approaches. New Zealand's policies encouraged effective dairy farming practices, while Argentina found that rotational grazing supported emission reduction. Australia's sustained policies led to national emissions reductions. These findings emphasize the need for region-specific policy design, long-term monitoring, knowledge dissemination, and policy continuity to address livestock-related greenhouse gas emissions effectively.

Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Theory of Environmental Policy and Regulation, Theory of Sustainable Agriculture & Theory of Behavioral Change and Adoption may be used to anchor future studies on the livestock emission reduction policies and their impact on greenhouse gas emissions in Peru. There is a need for continued research and monitoring to assess the long-term impacts of these policies and to identify innovative and context-specific emission reduction strategies. Additionally, stakeholders should prioritize knowledge sharing and capacity building to ensure that farmers and communities can effectively adopt sustainable practices encouraged by these policies. Lastly, policy continuity and stability are crucial for achieving sustained reductions in emissions, and governments should commit to their climate targets while adapting policies as needed to achieve optimal results.