Bolivia – Regenerative Agriculture in Quinoa Farming
Supporting farmers in the Bolivian Altiplano to restore degraded soils through regenerative agriculture and organic quinoa production.
Every contribution helps rebuild soil health and secure the future of quinoa farming.
For centuries, quinoa was cultivated in the Bolivian Altiplano using traditional farming practices adapted to one of the world’s most fragile ecosystems. Farmers relied on natural fertilisation, small scale production and ancestral knowledge to work in balance with the land.
In 2004 it was the global quinoa boom
After 2004, growing global demand turned quinoa into an internationally recognised superfood. Production expanded rapidly, with the cultivated area increasing from around 35,000 to more than 100,000 hectares in just two decades.
Combined with naturally low organic matter soils, strong winds and intensive tillage practices, this rapid expansion accelerated soil erosion and reduced soil fertility across the region.
Today, an estimated 20% of the Southern Altiplano is already affected by land degradation. Without action, this figure could reach 40% within the next five years.
From balance to degradation
Traditional Farming
Manual Farming
Llama fertilization
Small Scale production
After Quinoa Boom
More land cultivated
Intensive tillage
High pressure on soils
The result
Soil erosion
Loss of fertility
Land degradation
The desertification ecuation
Regenerative agriculture: A practical solution for degraded soils
In Bolivia, regenerative agriculture is helping farmers reverse soil degradation while producing high quality organic quinoa adapted to the harsh conditions of the Altiplano.
What is regenerative agriculture?
Nature and agricultre working together
Regenerative agriculture helps farmers rebuild soil health while producing high quality organic quinoa.
Through practices such as composting, reduced soil disturbance, cover crops and natural fertilisation, farmers improve productivity while protecting the environment.
Regenerative practices in action
Reduced tillage
Protects soil structure and reduces erosion
Organic fertilisation
Improves soil fertility and water retention
Wind barriers
Protects fields from strong Altiplano winds
Composting
Returns nutrients to the soil
Cover crops
Increases biodiversity and soil health
Llama manure
Restores organic matter naturally
Circular Economy in action
Every year, the processing of Quinoa generates approximately 2,500 tonnes of by-products. If not properly managed, these by-products end up in landfills, where they decompose and release carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
Through our regenerative agriculture project, these by-products are given a second life. Instead of becoming waste, they are returned to the fields and transformed into organic fertiliser that helps restore soil health.
Healthy soils create healthier food.
Regenerative agriculture is helping farmers improve soil health while producing larger grains, higher protein content and more resilient crops. Good food starts with healthy soil.
Sharing knowledge. Growing impact.
As part of the project, farmers participate in hands on seminars and field visits where they learn regenerative farming practices, share experiences and discover new ways to improve soil health and productivity.
Help bring life back to the soil
Every donation helps farming families in the Bolivian Altiplano restore soil health, strengthen food production and build a more resilient future through regenerative agriculture.