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The Waldo Ballivián municipality lies 4000 metres above sea level, in rural Bolivia. In February this year the NGO Practical Action began working with communities there to strengthen their capacity to produce quinoa by introducing appropriate, small-scale technology. Through the project people have learned how to make the most of their crop.

This audio slideshow documents Anita Makri’s visit to the community, taking a look at how knowledge and technology are helping one of the poorest communities in the Altiplano improve nutrition and boost their incomes.

People there have learned how to use machines to harvest quinoa; how to process it after harvest, including transforming it into products such as quinoa bars; and how to access markets so they can sell these products.

And they have learned that it’s not just technology that makes an impact — it’s how you work with it. The project is promoting gender equality as men and women work together to improve their lives.

This article is part of the Spotlight on Ensuring food security for the future.