Pilot experience in a marginal Andean crops bethlehem area Department of the Province of Catamarca: Azampay (Argentina)

• In Event: New Technologies and Traditional Knowledges

Abstract

The proposal is to convey an experience pilot in the recovery of traditional Andean crops of prehispanic, highly nutritious roots in a rural village high, difficult to access and consequent isolation, characterized by high levels of poverty and malnutrition that cause impact Food Security negative of the current population of the town. Crops were recovered for the region Quinoa (Chenopodium Quinoa Will) and amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus).
The rescue of these crops carried out under research projects accredited by agencies of the National Scientific System offering productive development of marginal populations, can in the short term make concrete food security of the affected community contributions, increasing its quality of life.
The work location of the pilot, Azampay, belongs to the Department Belen, Catamarca Province (Argentina). Biogeographically it is located in a region of Prepuna, approximately 2,000 m.s.n.m. and it has a population of 257 inhabitants.
The experience took place between the years 2009 - 2013 and the methodology used for the recovery of these crops was research - participatory action, known by its acronym (IAP), which combines research and action, involving the population in the diagnosis, prognosis and execution. All this ensured the modification of behavior of different social actors in the transformation of a problem of its own reality.
The experience was reflected in the development of participatory workshops, rehearsals cultivation and processing of food with the product obtained in which the roles of different community sectors and management (school, family, church, INTA, researchers) were cared for and respected .
With the experience they were able to recover both crops incorporating them into the family and community diet (at school) with the consequent contribution to food security of the population. Thus it arises replicate the positive experience in other communities with similar problems.

Author

• Susana Elisa S Martinez, Decana de facultad de Cs.Exactas y naturales