Bridging generations: The future of alpaca breeding in Andean Peru

Can you discuss the key constraints and threats that indigenous communities breeding and managing alpacas in the Andean Peru face in their fibre production?

Firstly, these communities often receive insufficient compensation for their raw alpaca fibre. Due to their remote locations, accessing markets is difficult, and when they manage to sell their products. This economic model results in limited earnings, making it difficult for families to sustain themselves. Also, buyers pay more for white fibre, which has led many herders to focus primarily on breeding white alpacas. This trend threatens the rich diversity of alpaca colours and the traditional skills associated with managing and processing different fibre types. Addressing this challenge involves promoting the value of coloured fibres and ensuring fair market prices. Supporting local communities in preserving these diverse breeds and traditional practices is crucial for maintaining the environmental and cultural heritage of the region.

Additionally, state and government services in these remote areas often need to be improved, exacerbating the economic difficulties. Poor infrastructure and lack of support services hinder their ability to compete in the market and access better opportunities.

Another significant threat is the migration of younger generations to urban areas. Many young people in Andean Peru don’t see a promising future in alpaca breeding because their parents often struggle financially and lead challenging lives. As a result, they move to cities in search of better opportunities. This out-migration leaves a gap in the workforce, with fewer people aged 15 to 35 remaining in the communities to carry on traditional practices. However, alpaca breeders in these regions are deeply rooted in cultural traditions passed down through generations: some individuals who move to cities eventually return to their communities, often bringing new ideas and experiences.

In what ways are climate change and water scarcity impacting camelids in the Andean region, and how are local communities adapting to these environmental changes?

Communities in the Andean region have long adapted to a dynamic environment, using traditional rotational grazing systems to manage their alpaca herds.

One significant issue is the melting of glaciers, particularly in the southern Andes, which has led to increasing water scarcity. Alpacas, unlike llamas, require more water and are less resilient to drought conditions. This scarcity forces herders to move their animals more frequently for water and suitable grazing areas

Despite these challenges, Andean communities draw on ancestral knowledge to adapt. For centuries, they have developed strategies to manage water resources and care for their camelids under harsh conditions. While climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of these challenges, their traditional practices, such as water management and pasture rotation, continue to play a vital role.

What are the primary challenges that remote Andean communities face in providing basic health care for their camelids, and how do these challenges affect the overall well-being of the animals?

Alpacas are generally strong animals with few major health issues or susceptibility to bacterial and viral diseases. To maintain their health, breeders rely on traditional practices, including the calendario alpaquero (Alpaca Calendar). This calendar helps them organize and schedule health-related activities throughout the year.

During specific periods marked on the calendar, herders diagnose and monitor their animals, ensuring they are prepared for different seasonal challenges, such as the rainy or dry seasons.

Can you introduce us to your project at Tolconi-Arequipa on alpaca and llama biodiversity and conserving their natural fiber colors? What are the main outputs?

Tolconi is a traditional community that continues to work with coloured alpacas and llamas, even though the market favours white fibre. Despite this economic pressure, breeders in Tolconi have chosen to preserve their traditional practices and maintain the biodiversity of natural fibre colours. They recognize that coloured alpacas not only produce beautiful, artisanal textiles but are also stronger and more resilient.

The community is better prepared for future climate change scenarios by maintaining diverse breeds. Biodiversity enhances the herd’s resilience, making them more adaptable to environmental challenges. This commitment to traditional breeding practices ensures the long-term health and sustainability of their herds.

The project in Tolconi focuses on supporting these breeders, especially women, in conserving natural fibre colours and promoting artisanal products. However, the community still faces significant challenges, particularly in accessing markets that fairly value their products. Selling enough handmade textiles to sustain their livelihoods remains difficult. Tolconi is actively working on strategies to overcome these market barriers and ensure fair compensation for their craftsmanship and dedication to preserving alpaca and llama biodiversity.

How do you see the future of pastoralist systems in Southern Andean Peru?

The future of pastoralist systems in Southern Andean Peru largely depends on the resilience of the communities, which are culturally strong and deeply rooted in tradition. However, these communities are facing significant challenges, and without solutions for market access and environmental changes, their traditional practices may be at risk.

For instance, alpacas are primarily bred for fiber, which is closely tied to market demand, making their survival more secure. In contrast, llamas, once crucial for transportation through llama caravans—an ancient trade tradition, are declining due to the diminished demand for their traditional roles.

To sustain pastoralist systems, it’s necessaryl to find new uses for alpacas and llamas that benefit communities and ensure fair compensation. Llamas, for example, could support sustainable tourism like trekking, providing alternative income while preserving their cultural significance.

Fiinally, youth want to be recognized for their efforts and receive fair compensation. To make traditional pastoralist work more appealing, it’s important to create alternative job opportunities that are both sustainable and rewarding. We need to find ways for young people to adapt and succeed, ensuring they can continue to engage with traditional breeding practices and pastoralism while making the best use of natural resources.

What is the role of women within this communities?

Women play a crucial role as keepers of biodiversity, not only in alpaca breeding but also in preserving agricultural diversity. For example, women have been instrumental in recovering over 3,000 varieties of potatoes in Peru. Women are o seen as the guardians of the herd, and their connection to the land and animals symbolizes security and sustenance for the family. While men typically travel for work or trade, women remain the central figures in maintaining the household and ensuring sustainability.