Mitigation Potential in the Agriculture Sector The Case of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru and South Africa

Agriculture, which is a substantial source of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions is also key to rural livelihoods and economic development in many developing countries in Africa and South America. This paper examines the socio-economic importance of the agriculture sector in six emerging economies (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru and South Africa) and compares their GHG emissions profiles. Further, it assesses the mitigation actions that are being developed or have been implemented in the agricultural sector at the national level. This analysis shows the importance of the sector on the socio-economic development, poverty alleviation, food security, job creation and GHG emissions of each country. Four out of the six countries could focus their efforts on mitigating GHG emissions in the agriculture sector ensuring that the mitigation does not exacerbate inequality, nor reduce rural employment and income. Despite the contribution of this sector to GHG emissions, only partial efforts have been made to develop appropriate mitigation actions. Further research is needed to better understand mitigation potential within the general development planning in these countries.