Unleashing the potential of quinoa to improve nutrition and secure livelihoods in Bolivia

Bolivian PhD student at University of Copenhagen, Carla Colque-Little, researches resistance toward diseases in quinoa plants. This is important, not only for the Bolivian economy, but also for the recovery of the Bolivian identity after years of colonialization. There are more nutrients in 100 grams of quinoa than in most foods. It contains proteins, a very well balanced amino acid content, nutraceutical and flavonoids. It is even being tested on space stations as one of the foods chosen for astronauts. 

Quinoa has deep roots in Bolivia, both historically and culturally, and increased consumption will reduce inequalities and hopefully aid in the fight against obesity and malnutrition. The crop is highly resilient to draught, salinity and frost. It is therefore a crop that has great potential for marginal lands and a model crop for studies of climate stress. The project was funded by the Plurinational State of Bolivia and started in in 2017. 

More information here. 

Link to podcast on the subject.