© Helvetas / Hugh Sitton

Peru

Helvetas supports Peru’s rural and urban population, in particular small farmers, to better cope with new challenges such as climate change, nature-based solutions, inclusive economic growth and migration. Our priority is to protect the livelihoods of the Andean population through the sustainable use of natural resources: water, land, grazing lands and forest.
© Helvetas / Hugh Sitton
  • Capital
    Lima
  • Area
    1,285,216,000 km²
  • Poverty rate*
    20% of the population live under the poverty line of $1.90 per day
  • UN DEVELOPMENT INDEX*
    Rank: 84 out of 191
  • Population
    32,626,000
  • People supported per year
    12,074
  • Thematic focus
    Climate & Disaster Resilience
    Education and Vocational Skills
    Private Sector Development
    Advocacy
    Gender & Social Equity
    Humanitarian Response
* Source: UN Data/ INEI Data

Thanks to heavy investment in developing its natural resources sector, Peru’s economy has grown considerably since the year 2000. Although poverty has diminished overall, so far the rural indigenous population has hardly benefited from the economic upswing. On the contrary, the clearing of large swathes of forest for mining purposes along with the effects of climate change cause challenges for sustaining livelihoods. Floods, droughts and landslides occurring with ever-increasing frequency are taking a heavy toll on agricultural production and food security. However, the presence of COVID19 has generated a 10-point increase in poverty, with the urban population more affected.

Traditional and modern methods in farming

Helvetas supports smallholders to secure their livelihoods. They are reviving traditional practices and introducing modern methods to adapt to climate change. For example, they grow traditional, more resistant varieties of corn and quinoa. Helvetas also trains farmers’ associations to better access markets and negotiate higher prices for their produce.

Adaption to climate change

The sustainable use of natural resources is our first priority, lest the Andean population lose the very basis of their livelihood. We work closely together with the Peruvian ministries of the environment and of the economy, exchanging our know-how and integrating tried-and-tested measures for adapting to climate change into existing nationwide programs. Our experiences from regions in which we are active thus benefit the whole country so that many more people can benefit from sustainable development.

Visit the website of Helvetas Peru.

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© Helvetas / Eduardo Martino
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Our Projects in South America

 If you would like to know more about our work in Peru, click on each project for details.

Climate & Disaster Resilience

Every year, we support over 1,000,000 people in adapting to climate change, reducing the risks of disasters, sustainably managing natural resources, and conserving nature.

Private Sector Development

Youth need access to reliable, fairly paid jobs to break the cycle of poverty. Helvetas creates partnerships and promotes policies that build more inclusive economies.

Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion

In many countries where we work, men and women are unable to claim their rights and participate actively in decision-making processes.
Contact

HELVETAS PERU
Av. Ricardo Palma 857
Miraflores
450345 Lima
Perú

Phone: +51 1 444 04 93
E-Mail: peru@helvetas.org