BREEDING AND TRADING OF GUINEA PIGS

Number of beneficiaries

80 families from Chuspire and 40 families from Panchama. Project Executor: Cáritas.

Investment

1.500.000,00

Project execution period

2013 -2015

PROJECT LOCATION

Yavi Yavi Agricultural and Livestock Property.

OBJECTIVE:

Improve families’ nutrition so they can fight high malnutrition levels and generate sources of income.

DESCRIPTION

This project is part of the resettlement agreements with Fuerabamba. We built one shed for guinea pigs, with a production capacity of 2,400 specimens, and which is already operating. Guinea pigs bred there are exclusively for the consumption of Fuerabamba families, who trade surplus guinea pigs in the Challhuahuacho market. Approximately 600 animals were used for family consumption and 500 for trade.

During the first stage of the project, we built nine sheds for families to breed guinea pigs and planted pastures and prepared an area to grow pastures hydroponically. We also trained families in guinea pig breeding. Later, we expanded this project to the whole community by launching the Guinea Pig Comprehensive Breeding Project, with capacity for 500 guinea pigs. This project included construction of a centre for guinea pig slaughtering and dressing, which has administrative areas, restrooms, reception desk and areas for processing, slaughtering, dressing and packaging of guinea pigs. Families sell 100 breeding males in nearby communities and 30 eviscerated guinea pigs to local restaurants on a monthly basis, and produce 50 fattened guinea pigs for consumption.