Posted on February 20, 2010

Walmart Foundation, CARE Launch Agricultural Economic Development Initiative in Peru

The Walmart Foundation and international humanitarian organization CARE have announced the launch of an agricultural development initiative in Peru.

Focused on the north-central highlands provinces of Huaylas, Yungay, Carhuaz, Huaraz, and Ancash, the Peru Agricultural Economic Development Initiative will encourage local women to become more involved in their family's farming operations. That involvement, in turn, will help family farms to expand their production, gain better access to both local and export markets, and improve their operations overall. To that end, the project will focus on developing more productive artichoke, white corn, avocado, and other fresh vegetable crop value chains. In addition, technical assistance providers will work with local growers to implement improved agricultural, environmental, and water resource management practices; strengthen growers' business and negotiating skills; promote greater access to credit; and develop relationships with local buyers and exporting companies.

"In the rural highlands of Peru, so many women are not recognized for the essential roles they play in the economic well-being of the family," said CARE president and CEO Helene Gayle. "With Walmart's generous commitment, we can help empower women with lifelong skills that will help lead to increased productivity and incomes."