Sustainability of quinoa production in the Andean communities of Anta, Cusco-Perú before the pandemic

Quispe J.H.; Prudencio L.M. · Idesia (2024) · DOI: 10.4067/s0718-34292024000400012

Resumen

The effects of the quinoa boom would be impacting traditional agricultural production systems in the Andean region of South America, altering the ancestral practices and knowledge that have allowed its cultivation in harmony with the natural environment and guaranteeing the enjoyment of many generations for thousands of years. The objective of this article is to study the level of sustainability of quinoa, from the economic, social and environmental dimensions, identifying the indicators and agricultural practices that influence the sustainability of the crop. The information gathered through a survey conducted in eight Andean communities of Anta, Cusco-Peru, was analyzed through the multicriteria method. Both the general sustainability indicator, as well as the social and environmental dimensions have not exceeded the established threshold value of sustainability; being moderately sustainable. While the economic indicator has shown a value below the established threshold, being unsustainable. These results put the traditional quinoa production systems on alert, if the critical points identified in relation to sustainability are not corrected, thus facing great challenges for the future, the producers of the Andean communities studied.

Instituciones: Universidad Tecnológica de los Andes