Peru

Helvetas supports Peru’s rural and urban population, in particular small farmers, to better cope with new challenges such as climate change, nature-based solutions, inclusive economic growth and migration. Our priority is to protect the livelihoods of the Andean population through the sustainable use of natural resources: water, land, grazing lands and forest.

Capital

Lima
Area

1,285,216,000 km²
Poverty rate*

20% of the population live under the poverty line of $1.90 per day
UN DEVELOPMENT INDEX*

Rank: 84 out of 193
Population

32,626,000
People supported per year

12,074
Thematic focus

Climate & Disaster Resilience
Education and Vocational Skills
Private Sector Development
Advocacy
Gender & Social Equity
Humanitarian Response

* Source: UN Data/ INEI Data

Thanks to heavy investment in developing its natural resources sector, Peru’s economy has grown considerably since the year 2000. Although poverty has diminished overall, so far the rural indigenous population has hardly benefited from the economic upswing. On the contrary, the clearing of large swathes of forest for mining purposes along with the effects of climate change cause challenges for sustaining livelihoods. Floods, droughts and landslides occurring with ever-increasing frequency are taking a heavy toll on agricultural production and food security. However, the presence of COVID19 has generated a 10-point increase in poverty, with the urban population more affected.

Traditional and modern methods in farming

Helvetas supports smallholders to secure their livelihoods. They are reviving traditional practices and introducing modern methods to adapt to climate change. For example, they grow traditional, more resistant varieties of corn and quinoa. Helvetas also trains farmers’ associations to better access markets and negotiate higher prices for their produce.

Adaption to climate change

The sustainable use of natural resources is our first priority, lest the Andean population lose the very basis of their livelihood. We work closely together with the Peruvian ministries of the environment and of the economy, exchanging our know-how and integrating tried-and-tested measures for adapting to climate change into existing nationwide programs. Our experiences from regions in which we are active thus benefit the whole country so that many more people can benefit from sustainable development.

Visit the website of Helvetas Peru.