Food Self-Sufficiency
Objectives To achieve food self-sufficiency, namely through the revival of traditional production of Andean grain crops (quinoa, amaranth) and traditional techniques such as the walipinas (partially buried greenhouses). To promote respect for organic agriculture as an ethical principle, and the revival of the agricultural heritage. To promote access to renewable energy sources: training courses in the construction and use of solar oven kits, and their distribution.
Food self-sufficiency through Walipinas
A Walipina is a greenhouse that is half underground. It comes from the Aymara Indian tradition and is capable of producing 4 times as much with 80% less water! These greenhouses are partially underground at a depth of 2.50 meters, which permits the conservation of warmth and humidity (like a sauna). This ancestral technique is revolutionary considering the principal obstacles to food production in the Altiplano, i.e. the cold, wind and scarcity of water.
 Objectives ResultsConstruction of three green houses in Caltapi, Chajnacaya and Tapi. Construction of four poultry farms in the communities of La Lava, Alcatuyo, Caïza D and Sucusuma. Construction of three greenhouses, half underground, in the localities of Machacamarca, Paria, Caïza D. Installation of an irrigation system and construction of a water reservoir in the communities of Angostura, Tañavillque and Caltapi. Organization of two solidarity refectories, managed by the prisoners of San Sebastian and San Antonio.
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Inauguration of drinking water facilities in Cata Cata
Inside a walipina...
A garden of Eden in the middle of the desert-like AltiplanoÂ
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Advantages of the Walipinas  4-fold increase in yield 80% savings in water simple and cheap technology introduction of new varieties of flowers, vegetables and trees introduction of distillation techniques (essences and essential oils) production and marketing of humus with the use of earthworms (US$8 per kg) prevents villagers from leaving their native valleys relocation of families from the mines
During the first phase, Voix Libres will finance some 40 community Walipinas (400 m2) for the orphanages, schools and mothers' clubs. Voix Libres will gradually introduce a system of micro-credits to enable families to build their own Walipinas.
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