FOOD FROM THE FOREST: THE PERUVIAN CASE

Abstract

The paper examines the main causes of deforestation in the Peruvian Amazon, that is rapid population growth and agriculture. The process of modernisation has led to negative changes in the pattern of food production from the forest and of traditionally grown food items. Past agriculture research in the Peruvian Amazon has not been realistic by ignoring the culture and needs of the Amazon people, and forestry research has concentrated mainly on timber production. The realisation that the natural forest is still the mainstay of the people for their basic needs has, however, initiated research in the Peruvian Amazon on its role as sources of food. The Amazon Forestry Research Programme (AFRP), formed in 1987, is actively paying more attention to the conservation of the forest and its role in providing basic products such as food and medicine, as an alternative to deforestation.