Understanding dynamics between public policy and global value chains (GVCs): governance for sustainability in the Brazilian Amazon beef cattle GVC

Author(s)

Loomis, John James ; de Oliveira, Jose Antonio Puppim

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT; v. N/A, p. 29-pg., 2024-12-03.

Abstract

PurposeThis article unveils the governance dynamics of a frontier region for global value chains (GVCs). For this purpose, we developed a replicable methodology to analyze the interaction between public policies and the governance of GVCs to better assess sustainability impacts and business responses. We apply this methodology to understand the governance dynamics in the beef cattle GVC in the Brazilian Amazon. In Brazil, cattle ranching increasingly concentrates in the Amazon region, notably in the state of Par & aacute;, becoming the major driver of deforestation as public policies and law enforcement are ineffective. Using our methodology, we were able to identify the main weaknesses in governance pertaining to sustainability in the beef GVC.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology employed a case study approach and utilized GVC mapping and analysis using primary (semi-structured interviews and site visits) and secondary data sources. The governance structures along the GVC were characterized. Finally, the sustainability and upgrading within and beyond the GVC were analyzed.FindingsBased on our methodology, emerging beef GVCs, such as those in Santar & eacute;m, Par & aacute; State, primarily supply the domestic market without external pressures to improve sustainability. This fact coupled with a lack of local capacity to implement public policies presents challenges for sustainable governance. Efforts to enhance the performance of the value chain predominantly stem from private sector capacity-building initiatives targeting ranchers.Originality/valueThrough the development of our method, the governance of the Brazilian beef GVC in the Amazon is mapped and analyzed. This study introduces a novel sustainability-focused GVC mapping methodology aimed at establishing a standardized framework to enhance the comparability of research. As a result, this study offers useful theoretical and empirical contributions to the literature on the sustainability of GVCs in frontier regions where public governance capacity is low. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/00685-5 - Sustainability transitions in global value chains in the Amazon: improving governance in the cosmetics, meat and fish sectors
• Grantee: José Antonio Puppim de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 24/00258-2 - Public, Private, and Hybrid Governance Capacity Factors that Influence the Sustainability of the Brazilian Beef Global Value Chain in the Amazon
• Grantee: John James Loomis
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• FAPESP's process: 22/12287-1 - Innovation for creating sustainable value: understanding global value chains in the Amazon
• Grantee: José Antonio Puppim de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 23/05865-1 - Innovation for Creating Sustainable Value: Understanding Global Value Chains in the Amazon
• Grantee: John James Loomis
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral