Ancient links between Peru and Maori are being reforged as potato growers unite to find ways to preserve traditional indigenous knowledge and mitigate the impacts of climate change. It may be just a matter of time before both cultures look deeper into the potential of forming meaningful Native trade partnerships.
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“Farmers say warmer temperatures and unusual cold snaps during the growing season are affecting the mainstay of local subsistence: the potato.
Quechuan agronomist, Alejandro Argumedo, says climate change not only threatens farmers but Peru’s whole native culture. “Potato is not just a food. Potato is also spirituality; it’s culture.”
“Along the frigid spine of the Andes, farmers have cultivated potatoes and other tuber plants for at least 8000 years and the area is considered as “the centre of origin” of the potato. Over 1200 varieties of the world’s 4000 known varieties of potato or “papa” are still grown by indigenous Aymara and Quechua villagers. Respect for these gifts of Pacamama (Mother Earth) is so profound that there are songs, dances and ceremonies celebrating the crop. But rising temperatures are opening the door to disease and farmers are being forced to abandon traditional family plots to move to higher altitudes where it is colder.”
“Argumedo is equally optimistic about the potential for Maori and Peruvian potato growers to come together. The long time campaigner for indigenous peoples’ rights is also actively involved in protecting indigenous knowledge and genetic resources. This is an area he says in which he hopes to work with Maori.
“As indigenous peoples, by protecting our foods and traditional knowledge we are preserving our way of life,” says Argumedo.
“Although the communities of Parque de la Papa oppose the patenting of indigenous knowledge, traditional potatoes with medicinal properties are being produced by the co-operative for local sale and benefit sharing. Nutraceuticals is an area that Alejandro believes Maori and Peruvian potato growers could consider together. But it’s the Andean potato heritage that could really offer Maori the greatest value.”
“Since we first began to repatriate our potatoes, our culture has come back. All the elders were happy about that and their life became enriched again,” says Argumedo.
With the prospect of climate change set to change the face of agriculture world-wide, these millennia old knowledge systems could also provide a key to ensuring food security for millions of people around the world. Developed by the distant ancestors of the Aymara and Quechua, Alejandro says it is time for more knowledge sharing to occur between indigenous peoples.
“I think there will be a strong need for unity to face these challenges and I hope we come back together through things we know like the kumara and potato.”
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