Linking chilli diversity to markets in Peru

Peru and Bolivia are home to the largest and most diverse concentrations of Capsicum in the world, yet much of this diversity remains neglected and undervalued. In recent years however, increases in market demand for new and unique chilli flavors, have provided an opportunity for smallholder farmers to use chilli diversity to generate higher incomes and enhance local agricultural biodiversity. To assist this development, Bioversity International is coordinating a three-year project to link Capsicum small-scale producers with production, processing and marketing companies that supply local and international markets.

With a focus on marketing high-value native species, different phases of the project have included analyzing different Capsicum varieties for their nutritional qualities and marketability, as well as linking smallholder farmers to food entrepreneurs by participating in trade fairs, organizing stakeholder workshops, and arranging chilli tasting sessions. Attention has also been placed on improving post-harvest and processing practices such as drying techniques and facilities to accommodate varying weather conditions.

The project “Unraveling the potential of neglected crop diversity for high-value product differentiation and income generation for the poor: The case of Capsicum peppers in their centre of origin' began in March 2010, and is coordinated by Bioversity International in collaboration with major partners in Bolivia, Germany and Peru.
 
This video introduces Mr. Esaú Hidalgo del Águila, an organic farmer and member of APE Pimental—a farmers' ecological organization in the Ucayali region of Peru. In 2010, Mr. Hidalgo won the "Ají de Plata" (Silver chilli) award at Mistura—the most well-known culinary fair in Latin America, for cultivating 12 varieties of chill pepper (which has since increased). In his interview, Mr. Hidalgo discusses the use of agroforestry techniques and the importance of his work and collaboration with Bioversity.