THE IMPORTANCE OF LLAMAS IN THE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES OF CHIMBORAZO: A RESPONSE TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Over the last twenty-five years, indigenous communities have dedicated themselves to raising llamas. According to conversations with their leaders, they believe that llama breeding enhances their quality of life, promotes soil fertility, and helps prevent soil erosion. Therefore, this initiative enables the conservation of páramos affected by the advance of the agricultural frontier and climate change, two topics that this author has investigated during the period from 2018 to 2025. This article examines the significance of llamas for indigenous peoples, the factors that contributed to the decline of these animals in the central Andes of Ecuador, and the initiatives aimed at their recovery within the context of development cooperation. In research employing an ethnographic approach to the experiences of llama projects established in the indigenous communities of the Pungalá and Calpi Parishes in Chimborazo Province, Ecuador, in-depth interviews were conducted with 16 individuals, including llama producers, community leaders, and project managers. The study demonstrates that llamas are closely linked to the lives of indigenous people, improving living conditions and helping to restore soil quality. It also demonstrates that llama production is a key factor in development cooperation programs, as it responds to the needs of indigenous communities.