Celia Alanes
Celia grew up in the small town of Salinas, but attended school until she was 10 years old in Jirira. She is the proud mother of 4 children, ages 10, 12, 17 and 20 all of whom attended school in the town of Tahua. Her eldest son followed in her footsteps and became a quinoa farmer.
Celia is proud to own her home in Salinas where she and her 3 youngest children live. She has 3 hectares of land where she grows royal white quinoa (quinoa real). She cultivates 21 quintales of quinoa per year (about 4,600 lbs). All of her farming methods are organic and with the technical support of the cooperative, she has learned how to fight against soil erosion.
On her 3 hectares, she also raises 100 llamas. She sells the llamas for their meat, as well as their wool to make traditional Bolivian clothing like sweaters, gloves, winter hats and coats. Most of her additional income goes towards her children’s education, until they reach the age of 18.
SPOTLIGHTS:
Production capacity: 2.3 tons of white quinoa per year
Land: 3 hectares
Water Source: Local village well
Closest Hospital: 1 hour by car
Closest School: 30 minute by car
