We hear it so often in permaculture.... the problem is the solution; and so often in reference to slugs and ducks (the problem is not too many slugs, but a lack of ducks)........ but what when the problem is in zone 6? What when the problem is regional, historical and political, as it is here in the south of Peru. When its a problem that comes with endemic racism that has gone on for centuries, compounded by a political constitution written by a dictator (Fujimori), based on the sale of natural resources, centralised in Lima and enabling fascist laws to be used by declaring state of emergency in response to peaceful protest. I have included a link below to two Guardian articles. The first quotes me describing the impact in the early days of protest, and the second is an excellent description of what is really happening in the south of Peru, as opposed to the "news" that comes out of Lima, which just creates a picture of a few little protests.
For anyone uninitiated in trying to navigate a "strike" Peruvian style, its not like we know them elsewhere! This is a complete stoppage in a country that may be on the verge of civil war. From Puno to the coast and inland to Cusco, and into the selva, the roads are blocked and every bock is held by people who will not let anyone pass without them explaining their purpose. The blue spot on the map below shows my approximate location, and although it dates from 12th December last year, nothing has changed in the blockades.
So the problem is a full blown national stoppage, police violence that has alraedy resulted in over 60 deaths, a political entourage in Lima that is in complete denial, and lying internationally about what is happening, and local hunger as a result of no deliveries. What problems can be addressed? The politics, land exploitation by mining companies, racism and abuse of the indigenous peoples is outside my remit, but within my prayers to reset. However, on a smaller scale, this is a golden opportunity for community permaculture.
The first thing I did when we knew the closure was going to happen was speak with the Community Council. (This community is self governing - land was allotted under laws drawn up last century to create independent communities within a legal framework provided by the state) and suggest an "olla comun" (soup kitchen). Family and friends from abroad rallied round and sent money - more than I could possibly have dreamed of, and the whole community breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that they would not go hungry again. But then a sub-problem emerged. No cash in the cash points or banks, and no way to reach them anyway. The solution..... the community pooled all the cash they could from other pockets such as personal savings, the water reserve fund, the pockets in their trousers and aprons - anywhere they could grab it, trusting my word that I would repay as soon as I could get cash out of the bank. I have now been able to do so and all the "borrowings" have or can now be paid back. The unforseen benefit has been a big upsurge in care and confidence amongst what was previously a rather gossipy, negative attitude within the community, and a committment from those people who do have resources to put in from their own pockets too. Rock on people care!
Above. I have written "they dont have to face hunger again" because only 50-60 years ago, there was no cash in this community. They lived from their chacras, using their own produce and the Incan system of Ayni (fair xchange) to trade goods for goods. And if the crops failed, there was hunger. They have now taken the decision to revive that practice and to use local goods as far as possible, so the Olla Comun is being filled with traditional recipes using potatoes, corn, beans and "chuño". There is a huge amount for me to learn about the products, their processing, recipes, health benefits (food as medicine), and the wild greens that can be harvested and used from the local waterways and grasslands. A book about this has always been in my dreaming, and now its moving up the ladder to initiation!
The biggest shift and opportunity, however, is in the development of a planning process. I have long wanted to create a youth council to supplement the community council and start looking at sustainable, long term plans for appropriate technology and land use, but never saw my "way in". Since the beginning of the protest (December 7th) there has been a clear realisation here that what could be managed 50 years ago, now cannot. Although we could be growing fresh veg, few people do. Land has been turned over to grazing and attempted cash cropping. By attempted cash cropping I mean corn, beans and potato production - which for a while did bring in money but now doesn't because much larger farms have overwhelmed the market with huge scale production. But not long ago, it was an economic temptation that changed local land use. This now needs to be reviewed to include small scale greenhouses and biohuertos, in the specific area (a frost shadow between the pampa and mountain peaks) where temperatures are excitingly moderate. And this is where the solution will be found emerging from the problem. Whatver happens in Lima, Puno and the politics of the situation, in the community of Sunho Chumo we are developing plans for what we want. So that when the post political crisis consultations begin, as they will inevitably do eventually, we sing from one song sheet, with a design for a future created with, by and for all our children, including all the feathered, furry, slithering, rooted and silent ones.
