Andean lost grains in Bolivia and Peru

Bioversity International (2015) Andean lost grains in Bolivia and Peru. Bioversity International 6 p.

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.