Main drivers of deforestation

Last reviewed: April 12, 2026

Summary

In several regions, cattle ranching and animal feed crops are significant drivers of deforestation and land conversion. The relative contribution varies by country and commodity, but livestock-related demand is repeatedly implicated in deforestation-linked supply chains.

Supported by 5 cited sources

Evidence Summary

Trade-embedded deforestation analyses attribute significant shares to beef/leather and feed commodities. Evidence quality: Moderate–High Limitations / nuance: Deforestation is multi-causal; governance and land rights are major mediators. Bottom line: Animal agriculture is a major deforestation-linked demand driver in many contexts.

Supporting Evidence

Sources:

Sources & Evidence

5 sources cited across 2 claims

Cattle ranching drives deforestation in many regions

Systematic Review

Studies on deforestation embodied in trade (beef/soy). — Pendrill F, et al. (2019)View source ↗

Our World in Data : soy use and deforestation drivers .View source ↗

Meta-analysis: substituting soymilk for cow’s milk. — Erlich MN, et al. (2024)View source ↗

Soy: food, feed, and land use change (FCRN/TABLE Debates)View source ↗

Soy — Our World in DataView source ↗

Beef and feed trade embed significant deforestation