Andean lost grains in Bolivia and Peru

In Bolivia and Peru, traditional grains such as quinoa, amaranth and cañihua, which are highly nutritious and have been cultivated for thousands of years in the high altitude plains, are being displaced by global cereal crops such as wheat and maize. Lack of improved varieties, arduous cultivatio...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Autor principal: Bioversity International
Formato: Brief
Lenguaje:Inglés
Publicado: Bioversity International 2015
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/10568/68652
Descripción
Sumario:In Bolivia and Peru, traditional grains such as quinoa, amaranth and cañihua, which are highly nutritious and have been cultivated for thousands of years in the high altitude plains, are being displaced by global cereal crops such as wheat and maize. Lack of improved varieties, arduous cultivation and processing, poor access to markets, and a negative image of these ancient grains as ‘food for the poor’ all contributed to their decline. Bioversity International began to transform the future for Andean grains with high-performing varieties, improved production and processing methods, strengthened market links, and promotional campaigns. This led to increased cultivation, market opportunities, and consumption of the traditional grains, dramatically improving the incomes and nutrition of poor farming families and their communities.