Native and wild plant diversity for sustainable quinoa production in the Bolivian altiplano

Lead Organization:

The Foundation for the Promotion and Investigation of Andean Products (PROINPA)

Partner Organizations:

Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IBMB), Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (UMSA); The Land Institute (United States); Andean Valley companies (AVSA), Irupana Andean Organic Food (IRUPANA), Jacha Inti Industrial; Technical University of Oruro (UTO); Municipal Governments of Uyuni and Salinas de Garci Mendoza; University of Colorado (Steven Vanek, soil specialist); International Potato Center (CIP) (Israel Navarrete, Agrobiodiversity and Seed Systems specialist); University of Vermont (Carlos Andrés Gallegos, Institute of Agroecology); Stats4SD;Youth in Agroecology; Satreps-quinoa (JICA); Al Invest Verde (European Union)

Community of Practice:

Andes

Countries:

Bolivia

Duration:

12/2024—12/2027

Overview:

Quinoa is a vital food for Andean societies, especially in Bolivia, where it has been cultivated for centuries. The international quinoa market boom between 2003 and 2013 led to large-scale quinoa production, resulting in the loss of native vegetation and soil degradation. Following the collapse of quinoa prices in 2014, PROINPA began researching agroecological alternatives for improving quinoa production while restoring the degraded ecosystem. This project focuses on using native plant diversity, wild quinoa relatives, and agroecological practices to strengthen sustainable quinoa production in Bolivia’s high-altitude, arid regions, amidst the impacts of climate change.

Grant Aims:

The project aims to restore ecosystems degraded during quinoa production booms by improving the use of native plant diversity and wild quinoa relatives. It seeks to enhance the sustainability of quinoa production through research on plant functions, entomofauna, and the development of new quinoa varieties that can withstand extreme conditions.

Outputs and Outcomes:

Objectives
Results Expected (RE)

  • RE 1: The functions of native plant diversity and associated entomofauna in quinoa agroecosystems have been described, based on local and technical knowledge.
  • RE 2 a: Promising lines of wild relatives of quinoa with traits such as early maturity and adaptation to extreme conditions have been identified.
  • RE 2 b: Genetic material (parents and true hybrids) for perennial quinoa varieties has been identified.
  • RE 3: Improved fallow practices using wild tarwi and decomposed manure have been validated across diverse biophysical contexts.
  • RE 4: Capacities of farmers, students, and researchers in quinoa-related agri-food systems have been strengthened.

Results (R) to be Achieved

  • R1: A communication plan for producers and local authorities to raise awareness about the importance of plant diversity and entomofauna in quinoa agroecosystems.
  • R2 a: Registration of quinoa varieties adapted to extreme production conditions and suitable for food safety and the market in the National Seed Registry (INIAF).
  • R2 b: Promising genetic material obtained for perennial quinoa varieties.
  • R3 a: Quinoa production technical protocols developed, including self-sufficiency for wild tarwi seed use in soil fallow.
  • R3 b: Adapted protocols for decomposed manure use, promoting organic quinoa production.
  • R4: Institutionalized mechanisms for landscape restoration using native species and wild relatives in the Bolivian highlands, with a critical mass of professionals and farmers advancing quinoa-based agri-food systems.