Aynuqas System: Yarvicoya rodeo and Jach’apampa cases of the Ayllus of Tapacarí, Cochabamba – Bolivia

Abstract

This article presents the results of a knowledge dialogue that addresses problems in the management of reconfigured soils based on the aynuqa system in the communities of Yarvicoya Rodeo and Jach'apampa within the ayllus of Tapacarí, Cochabamba, Bolivia. The methodology employed was Participatory Revalorizing Research using dialogue circles, semi-structured interviews, and participant observation techniques. The most relevant findings reveal that in the first community, there is an intensification in the use of insecticides to combat pests, prevent losses, and obtain high yields in Waych'a potato production for commercial purposes. In this productive process, soils have begun to be commodified and disconnected from spiritual and social life, being reduced merely to a material component as a source of wealth. In the second community, soils also face the proliferation of the Andean weevil (Premnotrypes spp.); however, farmers still avoid applying agrochemicals because production is destined for self-consumption. The study concludes that in both communities, there is an evident absence of agroecological policies that contribute to integral soil management and transdisciplinary studies that would enable the classification of cultivable soils according to their mineral content to diversify food production with sovereignty and sustainability.