Poultry Production Nexus-Few: a Study About the Effect of Public and Private Investments on the Efficient Use of Water

Abstract

Purpose: This paper aims to analyse how investments in innovation, research and development in poultry production affect the water's efficient use.   Theoretical framework: To understand water stress, the literature review addresses content related to the analysis of the balance between water and food production (Nexus-Few), as well as those that support the analysis of the effects of investments in research and development in poultry production and improving the efficient use of water.   Method/design/approach: The data were collected from the FAOSTAT database, where were analysed the investments in research and development (government and private), poultry production, water stress and efficient water use (US$/m3).  The period of analysis is from 2005 to 2019, and priority was given to countries with the highest production of poultry, based on available data (Brazil, India, Mexico, Myanmar and Russia).   Results and conclusion: the results reveal that there is interdependence between water and poultry production. On the one hand, factors that can lead to water stress (climate, competition for water, food production) can also affect poultry production, as the more water stress, the greater the risk for poultry production that depends on these resources. On the other hand, public and private investments in research and development (R&D) can be crucial to reduce water stress, improve water use efficiency and poultry production performance.   Research implications: The study shows to poultry farmers that water stress (demand greater than supply) interferes with poultry production, and that private or public investment in R&D is important for the efficient use of water. The paper revewls to governments and companies what actions are necessary to encourage the sector to seek the Nexus Few (balance between water and food production).   Originality/value: expands understanding of the sustainability of the poultry production chain and the goals of sustainable development, in order to encourage the efficient use of water. The sudy reveals too the importance of public and private investments to promote the balance between water use and poultry production .