Urochloa hybrid adoption in Latin America and the Caribbean 2001-2024: An analysis of the land use, social, economic, and environmental impacts in 27 countries

The sustainable intensification of cattle production in the tropics is critical to meet the rising demand for animal-sourced food while mitigating environmental degradation. This study evaluates the adoption and multi-dimensional impacts of interspecific Urochloa (syn. Brachiaria) hybrids across 27 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean between 2001 and 2024. Drawing on seed sales data, national statistics, literature, and Monte Carlo simulations, we estimate that over 1.09 million farmers adopted these hybrids on a cumulative 1.62 million hectares established between 2001 and 2024, of which at least 1.07 million ha remained active in 2024 under the assumed 10-year pasture lifespan, reaching an estimated ~7.49 million people through direct and indirect association with adoption. Economically, hybrid adoption is projected to generate a cumulative gross forage value of US$47–62 billion by 2033. Environmentally, scenario-based estimates suggest that by 2033, adoption could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 16.9– 56.3 Mt CO2-eq and decrease the land required to achieve equivalent liveweight gain by 1.8– 5.9 million hectares, particularly when integrated with silvopastoral systems. Despite these benefits, adoption remains limited relative to total grassland, constrained by seed system inefficiencies, knowledge gaps, and policy barriers. The study highlights the potential of Urochloa hybrids to transform tropical livestock systems, aligning productivity with climate goals, and recommends investments in seed access, inclusive finance, extension services, and supportive policies to scale adoption.