Our Agriculture Initiatives Vision
The AASD has worked with campesino communities since 2010. Campesino communities are identified as small, self-governing farming communities in the highlands of the Andes who can trace their ancestry back to the Inca dynasty. The vision of our agricultural initiatives is that these communities, their rich culture, and surrounding environment all thrive. We have chosen agroecology as our agriculture methodology for that reason: It relies on utilizing traditional knowledge to work with, instead of against, the environment, while ultimately lowering labor and input costs. Agroecology is complemented by our campesino-a-campesino (farmer-to-farmer) education model that allows farmers to be teachers, showcasing their expertise and conveying the necessary respect to them and their profession.
Our Agriculture Initiative Values
Campesino Communities share knowledge between their own members, with other campesino communities, and in educational spaces such as Ecohuella. Everyone is a teacher and learner.
Campesino Communities have ownership in the decision making process. They express their opinions, needs, and goals when implementing projects.
Campesino Communities are seen as individuals who are the gatekeepers and teachers to a wealth of local and traditional knowledge. Respect is shown through use of their native language (Quechua) and understanding and valuing their traditions and perspectives.
Campesino Communities sustain themselves with their surrounding environment through using local resources and practicing biodiversity methodology. The foundations of agroecology lead to a more profitable agriculture which then becomes a viable livelihood.