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In 2009, during their graduate studies, Adam Stieglitz and Aaron Ebner started researching more responsible forms of development. They decided to test their school greenhouse model in one of Peru’s campesino communities. The idea? To share local agricultural heritage with young people while fighting the malnutrition suffered by many indigenous, high-altitude communities in the Cusco region. 

Following the success of the pilot project, and motivated by support from communities, the duo decided to set up the Andean Alliance for Sustainable Development (AASD). Working with schools, the AASD helps build greenhouses and involve teachers and students in maintaining and managing them. 

At school and in the community 

Since 2010, 12 school greenhouses have been built in the Cusco region and 1,000 school children have participated. The School Garden Initiative not only increases children’s understanding of nutrition and farming, but also helps them develop a sense of autonomy and responsibility. These school greenhouses have also inspired families to build their own, with support from their village and the AASD. 

The School Garden Initiative is currently working with 10 indigenous communities in the province of Calaca, Cusco, where agriculture is mainly for subsistence farming, but generates little income. 

Would you like to support these communities in Cusco?