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harsh mountain environment, for example to time
sowing and harvesting. Traditional agricultural
knowledge is in many places losing its utility as local
climates and ecosystems are changing (Berkes et al.,
2000). Past practices to reduce risk, such as crop
rotation and the cultivation ofmultiple kinds of tubers
in each lot, have in recent years been increasingly
abandoned, partly to meet market expectations
(Ruiz et al., 2013). This also has a negative effect
on communities’ ability to cope with unexpected
change; forces beyond their control are threatening
the resilience that some rural communities have
developed over centuries.
Forests, lakes, rivers and other ecosystems currently
provide important food sources for many living in
the Tropical Andes. Fishing is an important source
of protein for many communities, including people
living on and around Lake Titicaca, where fishing is
a significant industry. Foraging in the tropical forests
and valleys of the Andes is another important food
source. The rich biodiversity also has the potential to
provide agricultural crops in the future. Many of the
current food staples around the world were originally
found in the Andes Mountains and there could
potentially be species suited for growing in changing
and challenging environments.
Fisherman on Lake Titicaca, Bolivia
Tubers
Otavalo market, Ecuador