Development of competitive livestock production systems with low GHG emissions in Central America

The project develops and validates methodologies to quantify greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in dual-purpose livestock systems in Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama, combining indirect analyses based on IPCC (2006) guidelines with experimental studies in pastures and direct measurements of enteric methane. By classifying farms according to their level of intensification, the initiative assesses CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O emissions, their relationship with productivity, and key economic factors, demonstrating that farms with improved forage management and supplementation generate lower emissions per unit of product. In addition to producing local emission factors and more accurate Tier 2 calculation tools, the project strengthens producer capacities through training activities, promoting sustainable and competitive livestock systems with low GHG emissions.