Value chains of Amazonian fruit species

Executive Summary

The ancestral Amazonian communities have selected numerous plants for their palatability and nutritional properties. The members of the research consortium of this project considered that these species, through integrated innovation, should contribute to the sustainable development of the region. The initiative was articulated through a consortium formed by the Research Institute of the Peruvian Amazon (IIAP) and the National Institute of Agricultural Innovation (INIA), both in Peru; the Institute for Man, Agriculture and Ecology (IPHEA), the Amazon Forest Research Institute attached to the Autonomous University of Beni (IIFA-UAB) in Bolivia; the Tropical Agricultural Research Center (CIAT). Urban and rural research centers also participated. 

The objective of the project was to contribute to the well-being of low-income rural population of the Amazon mega-domain, as well as to prevent and mitigate the degradation of natural resources, through the production of a regional public good of value for the future development of The Amazon. The project considered five native species: Aguaje (Mauritia flexuosa), Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia), Copoazú (Theobroma grandiflorum), Majo or Ungurahui (Oenocarpus batahua) and Pijuayo (Bactris gasipaes). 

The actions of the project resulted in an increase in the income of producers by means of the development and implementation of a local innovation model. 

The technological solution

The technological solution was based on two complementary elements: the identification, selection and use of superior genetic resources of Aguaje (Mauritia flexuosa), Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia), Copoazú (Theobroma grandiflorum), Majo or Ungurahui (Oenocarpus batahua) and Pijuayo (Bactris gasipaes) and the addition of value to these species through the development of new products for the markets (juices, jams, yogurt, ice cream, etc.) and the improvement of the presentation (selection, washing, packaging) of these fruit trees in local markets. 

The aforementioned had two cross-cutting elements to add even more value to these species: training for value chain actors and dissemination aimed at different audiences. 

Results

Beneficiaries

There is no quantification of direct and indirect beneficiaries, however, the benefits of the project reached a large number of actors: producers, value aggregators, processors, merchants, and finally, consumers of new products. 

Sustainable Development Goals

Main donors