From the Christian Science Monitor:
Life in the Andes mountains is hard. The climate is harsh, the air thin, and poor soil means malnutrition is a constant problem for children and adults.
But despite all odds, highland communities in Peru are proving their adaptability as they use greenhouses to test out more nutritional crops.
Venturing down the winding roads of the Andes mountains, it is not uncommon to come across “off the map” communities like Pampacorral and Maucau. For these families, it is a two hour walk to everyday conveniences, such as electricity, medical care, or even phone service.
In 2012, AASD teamed up with the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey to create a project that would build upon the communities adaptability and communal work ethic. Thus “Fitotoldos” or greenhouses were proposed as the answer to growing a greater variety of crops and in turn improving families diets.
The first round of greenhouses were paired with local schools. This guaranteed that nutritious food was making its way onto kid’s plates but also that there would be a consistent institution to manage its upkeep.
Every greenhouse was constructed with stone walls, a plastic roof, and a custom-made door that gave each one its own flare.
To read the full article, visit the Christian Science Monitor's website.
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