The Walmart Foundation and CARE have jointly announced the launch of the Peru Agricultural Economic Development Initiative, which is seeking to help 2,300 small-scale producers in the rural highlands of Peru.
The programme will focus on developing more productive artichoke, white corn, avocado, and other fresh vegetable value chains, and is expected to increase participants’ incomes by 30 per cent as well as create more than 300 new jobs.
Through the initiative, Walmart said women in Peru will become more involved in their family’s farming operations. In addition, growers will improve their agricultural operations, expand production, and gain better access to both local and export markets.
“Walmart is committed to empowering women to improve their livelihoods and enhance their economic opportunities,” said Margaret McKenna, president of the Walmart Foundation.
“Agriculture is an important source of income in rural areas of Peru, and we are excited that strategies will be implemented in this project to ensure women are actively involved in training workshops, enabling them to exercise more decision-making in their family farming operations.”
Under the project, technical assistance providers will work closely with growers to implement strong agricultural, environmental, and water resource management practices, strengthen business and negotiating skills, promote access to credit, and develop relationships with local buyers and exporting companies.
The project will take place in the Huaylas, Yungay, Carhuaz, Huaraz and Ancash provinces in the north-central highlands of Peru.
“In the rural highlands of Peru, so many women are not recognised for the essential roles they play in the economic well-being of the family,” said Helene Gayle, CARE president and CEO. “With Walmart’s generous commitment, we can help empower women with lifelong skills that will help lead to increased productivity and incomes.”
Last May, the Walmart Foundation announced a US$1m grant to CARE for projects focusing on empowering impoverished women in Peru, Bangladesh and India through education, job-training and entrepreneurial support programmes.
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