CommunicationPublished on 13 December 2021

On food and mountain agroecology

In many countries in the Global South, malnutrition is a cross-cutting issue with economic, societal and environmental impacts. Via an SDC-funded project carried out by IFOAM – Organics International, hundreds of mountain farmers have received training on a more diversified and ecologically sound approach to agriculture. The project resulted in better living conditions and a reduced incidence of malnutrition.

Erlinda Pillajo is an Ecuadorian farmer who has trained many of her peers, including Janet Barrios, in organic farming. — © IFOAM

Promoting organic agriculture has a direct impact on food quality. One cannot tackle one without addressing the other.

Alejandro Espinoza, Project Manager, IFOAM

These people are not highly educated. Yet despite this, their analytical skills and ability to adapt to new working conditions are truly impressive.

Patricia Flores, Regional Coordinator for IFOAM in Peru

Since the NMA project was launched, there have been clear changes in these farmers' social perception, skills and overall influence.

Marlene Heeb, programme manager at the SDC