Collateral damages of intensive farming in central Argentina: impacts of livestock intensification on the socio-ecosystem of the Paraná River Delta

Abstract

In the last few decades, there has been a significant increase in global meat consumption, which has had a notable impacton countries that produce raw materials, such as Argentina. Since the introduction of GM soybeans in 1996, the Argentineagricultural system has undergone major transformations. This study aims to investigate the impacts of industrial agriculturalexpansion in central Argentina on cattle production within the Paraná River Delta and we explore how relocating livestockto the delta’s wetlands, areas less suited for agriculture, affects both socio-ecological systems and wetland health. This caseis a significant example of a situation that is also occurring in other raw material–producing countries of the Global Southand illustrates how decisions made for one territory have collateral damages on others. By analyzing commodity produc-tion’s interconnection with livestock farming, we gain crucial insights into nuanced impacts of land use alterations in thisarea. We hypothesize that transferring livestock to these marginal lands significantly disrupts local environments by alteringhydrological patterns and species diversity, leading to ecological degradation. Our findings underscore significant shifts inhydrological regimes due to water management practices, stakeholder conflicts, and hydroclimatic variability linked withagricultural and livestock modifications. Highlighting these challenges helps us understand how preserving socio-ecologicaldynamics becomes paramount for sustainable development in this region. Finally, this study advocates for enhanced govern-mental and local community engagement in territorial planning and governance while emphasizing a need for incorporatinglocal expertise.