INFLUÊNCIA DAS CRENÇAS SOCIOPSICOLÓGICAS NA ADOÇÃO DO SEMICONFINAMENTO: uma aplicação na produção de Carne de Baixo Carbono em Mato Grosso do Sul

Abstract

The beef production chain is identified as one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions, making the adoption of more sustainable production systems necessary. This study aimed to analyze the socio-psychological beliefs that encourage or hinder the behavioral intentions of cattle ranchers regarding the use of semi-confinement systems during the finishing phase of beef cattle in the production of Low Carbon Beef in Mato Grosso do Sul, based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. This was a qualitative research based on 15 semi-structured interviews with cattle ranchers, whose data were organized and subjected to content analysis. The results indicate that producers recognize the economic and productive benefits of semi-confinement (greater feed efficiency, better finishing and carcass quality), but perceive financial and technical barriers (costs, operational complexity, need for skilled labor and technical assistance). It was evidenced that behavioral beliefs are anchored in the balance between gains and costs; normative beliefs involve validations from peers, buyers and institutional actors; Beliefs about control depend on access to credit, information, and technical support. It is concluded that combined interventions, financial incentives, training/technical assistance, and targeted communication tend to increase the intention to adopt semi-confinement, contributing to productive efficiency and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.