In the Amazon, areas surrounding the BR-163 highway have become major deforestation hotspots, with the agricultural expansion driving much of the destruction. These regions, particularly agrarian reform settlements like PDS Brasília, are at the center of a conflict between environmental conservation and the demand for agricultural land. While these settlements occupy only a small portion of the Amazon, they are responsible for a significant portion of the deforestation, with land-use practices such as logging and cattle ranching heavily contributing to forest loss. In 2023 alone, agricultural activities in these areas led to a dramatic spike in deforestation, undermining efforts to protect the rainforest.
The push for sustainable farming in these deforestation-prone areas faces numerous challenges. Historical policies and economic pressures have entrenched unsustainable practices, particularly extensive cattle ranching, which accounts for a major portion of the region’s deforestation. Shifting to more sustainable farming methods, such as agroforestry and regenerative agriculture, offers a potential solution, but the transition is slow. Farmers face barriers like limited access to markets, insecure land tenure, and a lack of resources to implement new methods. Despite these obstacles, there is growing hope that with proper support and policy changes, sustainable agriculture could reduce deforestation while improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. More