Prospection of sustainable agrifood systems based on discourse analysis of Curraleiro Pé-Duro cattle breeders in Brazil

ABSTRACT Developing countries face great challenges to couple agricultural intensification and sustainable supply chain development. This paper explores the opportunities for innovation in the conservation of the locally adapted Curraleiro Pé-Duro (CPD) cattle. The CPD is a historical Brazilian breed, related to regional culture, which exhibits remarkable adaptability in tropical biomes. The research method consisted of interviewing and analyzing the discourse of CPD breeders in Tocantins, Brazil. The systematization of the data resulted in four categories and eleven subcategories, which were defined a posteriori. Our findings reveal motivational aspects, potentialities, and prospects for valuation, besides the needs and perceived challenges faced by CPD farmers. A better understanding of the current situation may guide public policies, encourage stakeholders, benefit farmers, and lead to sustainable agri-food initiatives. The empirical contributions of our diagnosis are discussed, and we show how they bring forward and provide valuable lessons to prospect innovations in the conservation of CPD cattle. These findings may support scholars and people who are also interested in accessing and supporting the conservation of indigenous livestock. In general, the study supports the definition of strategies, planning, and investments for the value chain, including the participation of upstream and downstream segments of the farms.