Objective: To strengthen the health, nutrition, and economy of rural communities in the Peruvian Amazon during COVID-19

The remote communities in the Peruvian Amazon, sometimes only accesible by long boat rides, have been further isolated as a result of the Covid pandemic. This project aims to provide nutritional and economic resources to families from these communities so they can obtain the stability and security they need in times of scarcity. This is being accomplished by offering women skills training and the tools to build family gardens and small fish farms.

Why family gardens? Seeds that grow fast will support the economy and nutrition of 120 families (600 people). Families plant fast-growing seeds (such as corn and beans) and harvest high-value nutritional foods for consumption or to sell in the city, so they can obtain other essential products (such as medication, other food, hygiene products) and access to services such as health centers or transportation.

Why fish farms? Fish is the primary source of protein for Amazonian communities, which is why we support eight families to have their own fishponds where they can grow fishes, mainly for consumption, and thus have access to this vital nutrient and improve their nutrition.

This project is implemented by the local nonprofit Minga. Minga is a quechua word that means “when all community members work together in a project that benefits everyone”. Minga is working toward sustainable change for indigenous women and their communities throughout the Peruvian Amazon, since 1998.

In previous projects, Minga and Help Peru have provided training workshops on cervical cancer prevention and offered youth workshops to increase self-employment opportunities.

Learn more at www.mingaperu.org