REVIVING ANCESTRAL CROPS IN ECUADOR

The villagers of Atapo Quichalan, in Ecuador’s High Andes, are reviving ancestral knowledge of native products with support from the MDG-F. Villagers have recovered seeds from heirloom tubers such as oca, mashua and melloco as well as several species of potatoes; they have boosted their nutrition by farming organically, improved environmental protection by planting native species, and strengthened community organization by reviving “mingas” (work parties) and increasing the participation of women. Photo: Carla Gachet / Iván Kashinsky