A Sustainable Business Model for Kichwa Farmers

For Gerardo Grefa, a farmer of the area, cacao and coffee are no longer his only cultivating option. Now, guayusa, a plant that has been cultivated for years for the family's own consumption, has become a sowing alternative on his land, or as he calls it, his chacra. 

The business model implemented by the Runa Foundation, has allowed the families and communities to come together to sow guayusa for commercial purposes. The proposal was not to carry out single-crop farming, but to continue with traditional farming, while increasing the cultivation of guayusa. 

In this way, farmers address the demand for this plant, not just for its taste and aroma, but for the energizing properties that result from a high caffeine, vitamin, and amino acid content. Studies have revealed that the plant has 50 per cent more antioxidants  than green tea. 

In order to address the demand in an environmentally and productively sustainable manner, CAF - Latin American Development Bank, signed a technical cooperation agreement with the Runa Foundation. The resources have been allocated to train the indigenous producers of the area, and to the technical advice and implementation of a quality system. 

For Gerardo, who also works as a promoter within the community, training has been very important throughout this process. "I visit the farms in the community and we check the sowing and cultivation with our colleagues".

Farmers agree that the enrichment has been mutual. Local agronomists teach techniques in field schools, but at the same time, farmers contribute their suggestions that rise from their daily handling with the cultivars.