Mapping the cattle supply chain in Brazil
Transparency and transformation through citizen science
- Date
- 20 February 2026
- Time
- 15:30 -17:00
- Location
- BG 3
- Room
- VOX-POP
The cattle sector in Brazil is dogged by accusations of deforestation, forced labour, and food safety scandals. One reason why these challenges persist is the lack of transparency: the link between beef products and their impacts is hidden from the consumer.
This presentation will introduce the do pasto ao prato (in English, from pasture to plate): a citizen science initiative and app launched in 2021 to increase transparency in the cattle supply chain. By verifying the origin of meat products available on the supermarket shelf, the 9k users of the app to date, have helped crowdsource a map of the suppliers of retailers across the country.
The lecture will reflect on the experience with citizen science, advocacy, and the potential for radical transparency to transform the status-quo of slow-to-mobilise industries, like the meat sector.
Programme
15.30 - 17:00 Lecture, followed by a discussant’s remarks and an open floor for audience questions.
Sonja Marzi is assistant professor in Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies at Radboud University. Her research draws on feminist, anti-racist and post-colonial theories and pushes the boundaries of collaboration and (remote) participatory research designs, focusing on (re)conceptualising gendered urban challenges in Colombia.
Luc Fransen is Professor of Transnational Governance at the University of Amsterdam. His research focuses on the politics and regulation of responsible business conduct, with particular attention to environmental sustainability, human rights, and labour rights in global supply chains. He leads the Responsible Business Conduct Lab: his work sits at the intersection of transnational governance, political economy, and regulatory practices.
About Cedla
The Centre for Latin American Research and Documentation (CEDLA) Lecture Series is a public event programme that brings together international experts to share insights and new publications on Latin America. Each session features a 45-minute talk, followed by comments from a discussant and an open Q&A with the audience. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or simply curious about the region, you’re welcome to join the conversation. We’ll end the evening with drinks and nibbles at VOX-POP.
