Page 26 - 80 YEARS OF VOLUNTEER IMPACT WITH FAO

Agriculture Working the land, securing the future

Chiara Guini

WHERE QUINOA MEETS CAMELIDS—MY EXPERIENCE

WITH FARMING IN BOLIVIA

At FAO Bolivia, I had the opportunity to coordinate a platform bringing
together FAO and different institutions working on the Quinua–Camélidos
Production project in the department of Oruro. This work took place in
Bolivia’s inter-salar region, between the Uyuni and Coipasa salt flats,
an area where, for thousands of years, family farming has cultivated
quinoa and herd llamas, alpacas and other camelids together.

22 As a European, I initially knew very little about quinoa. But through this
experience, I learned not only about its great nutritional value, but also
its deep roots in Bolivian culture, closely linked to local traditions, family
farming and ecological agriculture.

At the same time, I worked on a project that focused on building
government support for ecological farming. It helped me understand
how national policies and cooperation can support farmers and
promote more sustainable agriculture throughout the country.

Being a UN Volunteer was a truly meaningful experience. It allowed
me to get involved in issues I really care about, like rural development
and food rights, while sharing what I know and building on my past Chiara Guini, UN Volunteer from Italy, spoke about Quinua-Camélidos and her
experience. Most of all, it gave me the chance to talk to people directly, experience about sustainable farming in Oruro, Bolivia. [UNV, 2015]
hear about their real needs and learn from their perspective.