SUCO - Volunteer Sending 2009-2015

Key results achieved between July 2009 and March 31st 2013. Peru: In Huari Peru as well as in the surrounding area of Lima Peru agricultural production improved increasing revenues for 439 people (including 239 women) following the introduction of new organic agricultural and animal husbandry practices. 23 irrigation systems were installed and adapted to the context of the Andes allowing 32 households to water their crops during dry spells thus improving yields. Newly acquired entrepreneurial skills were used by 25 women for marketing their cheese and by 15 women who designed marketing plans. Cheese production improved for 25 women producers increasing from one cheese to 24 on a weekly basis. Improvements in quality also doubled sales (from an average price of 7 soles to 12 soles) increasing the weekly average income to $24. 16 cheese factories are running and 9 are being built (transformation sector micro-businesses) to the benefit of 25 households. 53 vegetable gardens were created to the benefit of 53 households producing a variety of vegetables. Nutrition was improved for 53 households through the introduction of 10 varieties of vegetable and foods in people’s diet and through sustained awareness about good dietary habits. A women’s textile association was created adopting ecological practices to dye wool that improved product quality and sales. 48 producers now hold national ecological certification that improved their products’ quality and marketing potential. Awareness on good hygiene and nutrition as well as on appropriate garbage disposal following the distribution of nutrition guides and workshops reached 73 women and more than 550 elementary school and high school students. 62 organic and non-organic garbage dumps were created or improved. 58 hectares of improved pastures were sowed to the benefit of 200 households. Cows that graze from improved pastures generally generate 4 litres of milk daily rather than 2 litres per day for a cow