Sustainable livelihoods for rural Andean farmers

All is well in Calca!

We've been fortunate enough to expand our greenhouse and sustainable livelihoods project to a new community called Huilloc near Ollantaytambo. We constructed new greenhouses and conducted our first few workshops on the organic management of soil fertility and pests and plagues. Our reputation preceded us, and many of the new participants wanted to replicate the strawberry-growing model of success that we have cultivated over the last six years in Qenqo.

However, Huilloc was not our only success in this period. Many of the project participants from other communities have graduated from the relatively small first greenhouse built with the Andean Alliance. They are now constructing a new one of their own or collaborating with the AASD to double their land under cultivation in the greenhouse. These farmers are proof that a long-term commitment will create sustainable, community-driven change.

With the rainy season up us, we will find our selves in the communities slightly less often, but we remain ever vigilant and available for agricultural and economic support. As we plan for 2022, we are reminded how fortunate we are to have the support of all of you who contribute to this project on GlobalGiving and elsewhere. We have survived the worst economic effects of the pandemic and are coming out the other side stronger and more resilient. Thank you for all of your help!

However, there is so much more to be done! 2022 is shaping up to be our biggest and most influential year yet. We work with more farmers than ever before, and we are thriving. This also means we more expenses than ever even as we optimize our investment per farmer.

Please, continue the support! We rely on funders like you to ensure the absolute best possible support for campesino communities. Join us as we make 2022 the best year yet!

Saludos!

The AASD Team