Agroecology in the Peruvian Amazon highlands

Abstract

The current mainly anthropogenic environmental problems are giving rise to a growing awareness
of care of the environment. This paper aims to report the experience of the San Martin
region in the Peruvian Amazon highlands, were coca producers were able to replace this
illicit crop. In addition, we also propose some reflections for the development of agroecology
projects in Brazil. This experience was divided into two stages. In the first one, the products,
mainly coffee and cocoa, were exported as raw beans by cooperatives. In the second stage,
the products had added value being sold in the domestic market. The main results were the
substitution of illegal crop for a legal crop in an agroecological way, improving the quality of
life of rural families. The experience of provide constant technical support to farmers is a good
practice to be replicated in Brazil, aiming at improving the quality of farmers’ products and
strengthening agro-ecological practices and their dissemination.